Akron quickly dispatched Xavier with a 2-0 scoreline Saturday afternoon.
It only took three minutes for Zac Portillos to score a goal after breaking away from the Musketeer defense.
This was followed by another Akron goal in the second half from Aodhan Quinn. This goal was all about playing together as a team as Saad-Abdul Salaam and Matt Foldesy combined to set up Quinn from 12 yards out. Salaam launched a cross into the box, where it was controlled by Foldesy, who deftly backheeled it to Quinn for the score.
Xavier never really threatened Zips keeper Jake Fenlason, who got his first start of the spring. Akron dominated possession and the stat sheet, out-shooting the visitors 12-6 overall and 5-2 on goal.
It was another strong performance from the Zips, who earned their third shutout of the spring. Further challenges exist in the coming weeks as Akron faces Butler and Maryland on the road to round out their spring schedule.
- Four Akron players are expected to transfer, including Alfred Koroma, Andrian McAdams, and Andy Chiu. Koroma struggled through illness, injuries, and just plain bad luck last year. He is eyeing Creighton and SMU as possible places for a fresh start.
- This spring game was all about seeing what players were capable of. Coach Embick experimented with shape and formation throughout the match, playing with a 4-2-4 and 4-2-3-1 at times.
- You can’t judge who will start in the fall by this matchup. Akron will be bringing in 6-8 recruits, several of which are international players with serious credentials.
- Freshman Victor Souto was already in camp for the spring. The Brazilian midfielder arrives from Sao Paolo and the Corinthians youth system. He is expected to contribute immediately as the team believes he has the makings of something special.
- Matt Foldesy, a midfielder from North Olmsted (OH), looks ready to be a key cog in the Akron attack. He put in a quality performance on Saturday and we are excited to see what he will do against even better competition in the form of Butler and Maryland later this month.
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