Caldwell's Late Penalty Kick Pushes Zips Past Cal Poly, 1-0
AKRON, Ohio – The No. 4 University of Akron men's soccer team earned a hard-fought, 1-0 victory over Cal Poly in the final game of The University of Akron Tournament at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field Sunday night.
Scott Caldwell burried a penalty kick in the 83rd minute to win the match for the Zips (4-0-2), who had to play without the services of top goal-scorer Darren Mattocks as a result of the striker's red card Friday night.
With the result, UA extended its NCAA-record home unbeaten streak to 42 games (39-0-3) and remained unbeaten on the season.
With the teams locked in a scoreless tie late in the game, Aodhan Quinn passed the ball from just beyond midfield to DeAndre Yedlin, who created space on the right flank, dribbled past his man into the top of the penalty area and was tackled from behind.
It was Caldwell's fourth goal and second game-winner of the season.
David Meves recorded three saves and the Zips' defense limited the Mustangs (3-2-2) to just seven shots for the match – and three on goal – while earning UA's fourth shutout in six contests.
It was a fairly balanced opening half with neither team able to sustain a consistent rhythm. Nonetheless, the Zips were on the ball for a majority of the time and out-shot the Mustangs, 7-4.
Akron had a number of chances to go ahead just before halftime but couldn't find the net. In particular, Thomas Schmitt had a two prime looks, including a one-on-one with the keeper from the near left flank but couldn't convert the tough angle.
Cal Poly didn't have many chances but had the most dangerous strike in the 40th minute when George Malki rang the cross bar from the top of the box.
The Zips will jump back on the road for their next match at Tulsa Saturday, starting at 8 p.m. (ET).
Zips Notebook: Caldwell, who is tied with Mattocks for the team lead in goals with four, has recorded at least one point in five of six games this fall ... UA head coach Caleb Porter, the NCAA's winningest active coach, recorded the 94th win of his six-year career Sunday ... The Zips are 68-1-7 under Porter when shutting out an opponent.
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