Shaffer, Shope Combine for Equalizer as Falcons Battle No. 20 Akron to 1-1 Draw

Thursday, October 6

Bowling Green, Ohio

7:00 PM

Bowling Green State University

2-4-4, 0-1-1

Akron

6-2-3, 1-0-1

Akron

Bowling Green

Photo by: Larry Clapper

Shaffer, Shope Combine for Equalizer as Falcons Battle No. 20 Akron to 1-1 Draw

October 06, 2022 | Men's Soccer

Box Score BGSU-Akron Stats Photo Gallery

By: by Mike Cihon, BGSU Strategic Communications

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Freshman Andrew Shaffer's goal midway through the second half lifted the Bowling Green State University men's soccer team to a 1-1 draw with the nationally-ranked University of Akron Thursday evening (Oct. 6). The Mid-American Conference matchup took place inside Cochrane Stadium.

The Zips (6-2-3, 1-0-1 MAC), ranked No. 20 in this week's United Soccer Coaches national poll, took the lead on a Dyson Clapier goal just 10:38 into the match. It marked the first time this season that the Falcons allowed a first-half goal.

But, the Falcons (2-4-4, 0-1-1 MAC) equalized with just under 20 minutes remaining in the match. Jensen Lukacsko, heading down the right side of the field, played a ball into the path of Eli Shope near the end line.

For a few seconds, it appeared that an Akron defender would beat Shope to the ball, or let it roll over the line for a goal kick. But, Shope got to the ball first, poking it toward the center of the six-yard box. Shaffer quickly redirected it into the net with a one-time finish.

STATS, NOTES & NUMBERS
• The Falcons had a narrow 10-9 advantage in total shot attempts, while Akron had a 4-3 lead in shots on goal. The Zips had a 2-1 margin in corner kicks.
• Freshman Andrew Shaffer's goal was his second of the season, and his second at Cochrane Stadium – and, his second at the scoreboard end of the field at Cochrane.
• Eli Shope picked up his first career point with the primary assist on the goal.
• Jensen Lukacsko's assist on the goal was his first point of the season. He now has career totals of eight assists and 10 points,
• Lukacsko played in the 81st match of his BGSU career, and has moved into a tie for sixth place on that school list. He made his 78th career start, and is in sole possession of sixth place on that BG chart.
• As mentioned, Akron's goal was the first first-half goal BGSU has allowed this season. The Falcons had kept the opponent off of the scoreboard in the first half in each of the last 11 matches, dating to Nov. 11, 2021 (at Northern Illinois in the MAC Tournament).
• Prior to Thursday night, BGSU had not allowed a goal in the first 65 minutes of a match this season.
• Goalkeeper Brendan Graves and the Falcons have not allowed more than one goal in a game this season. BGSU has surrendered a total of seven goals in 10 matches.
• The Falcons now have a record of 38-24-11 over the last 73 matches, dating to late in the 2018 season. Sixteen of the 24 setbacks in that time have come by a single goal.

Gallery: (10-6-2022) MSOC v UA - Oct. 6, 2022 - Larry Clapper

UP NEXT
• The Falcons head to the Windy City to take on the MAC's newest member, Chicago State, next Thursday (Oct. 13). That contest will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET at Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep.
• Then, BGSU will face both the Zips and Cougars for a second time. The Falcons will play at Akron on Monday, Oct. 17, before hosting CSU on Friday, Oct. 21.

FOLLOW THE FALCONS
• For more information on the men's soccer program, follow the Falcons on Twitter (@BGAthletics and @BGSUmenssoccer), Instagram (bgsumenssoccer) and Facebook (BGMensSoccer) as well as on the web right here at BGSUFalcons.com.