Top-Ranked Zips Start Fast, Blank Falcons

Saturday, September 26

Akron, Ohio

7:30 PM

Bowling Green State University

Akron

September 26, 2009 | Men's Soccer

By: AKRON, Ohio (BGSU Athletic Communications)

The University of Akron, the top-ranked team in the nation, exploded for six first-half goals in a 6-0 win over the Bowling Green State University men's soccer team Saturday night (Sept. 26). The match, the Mid-American Conference opener for both clubs, was held at Lee Jackson Field on the UA campus.

* #1 AKRON 6, BGSU 0 - Final Stats
* #1 AKRON 6, BGSU 0 - PDF Boxscore

With the win, the Zips improve to 7-0-0 overall and 1-0-0 in MAC play, while the Falcons drop to 1-6-2 and 0-1-0, respectively.

Teal Bunbury scored a pair of goals for the Zips, while four other UA players recorded a goal apiece. Michael Nanchoff had four assists, including a helper on each of the first three goals of the night.

UA got on the scoreboard just 6:36 into the contest, when Chad Barson headed home a corner kick from close range. Bunbury scored his first goal at the 18:38 mark, and Darlington Nagbe gave the hosts a three-goal advantage at 24:02.

Then, the Zips scored three times in a nine-minute span late in the half, with Bunbury, Ben Zemanski and Ben Speas finding the net. Speas' goal, at the 43:14 mark, completed the scoring.

The hosts had a 21-2 advantage in shot attempts, and had 11 shots on goal while holding the Falcons without a shot on target.

Redshirt freshman Jeff Smoker made five saves in goal for the Brown and Orange. For the Zips, David Meves (66:28) and Josh Pantazelos (23:32) combined on the shutout.

"In my opinion, Akron certainly lived up to that number-one ranking," said Falcon head coach Eric Nichols. "They had fantastic overall athleticism, commitment, movement off the ball ... all the things that great soccer teams have. And, they were also lethal in front of goal.

"This past week was a very tough week for us, with two very tough opponents. Now, it's time for us to regroup and look forward to the rest of the MAC schedule, beginning with Western Michigan next weekend."

The Falcons are now idle until next Saturday, when the Brown and Orange will begin a two-game homestand with a Saturday (Oct. 3) match vs. WMU. Kickoff is scheduled for noon at Cochrane Field.

BGSU played just two of nine matches at home in the month of September. Beginning with the WMU contest, the Brown and Orange will play six of the final nine regular-season contests inside the friendly confines of Cochrane Field.