A shorthanded University of Akron men’s soccer team earned a 1-0 exhibition victory at Horizon League champion Cleveland State Friday night at Krenzler Soccer Field.
Striker Reinaldo Brenes took a pass from Bryan Gallego and slotted the game winner in the first half for Akron, which was playing without starters Robbie Derschang and Aodhan Quinn due to injuries. Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Fernando Pina went the distance in picking up the clean sheet.
“It wasn’t a particularly pretty performance at times and we have a lot to improve on,” said UA head coach Jared Embick. “But for our first spring game, it was great to get a result against a team that qualified for the NCAA Tournament and returns eight starters.”
Friday night was the first of the five spring matches for the Zips, who will have nearly a month to prepare for their next opponent. Akron will play its only two home contests of the spring on April 6 and 13 when Kentucky and Xavier visit FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field. Both matches are open to the public and free of charge.
The Zips will then close out their spring schedule on the road at Butler (Apr. 21) and Maryland (Apr. 27).
2013 Spring Schedule
Fri., March 8, at Cleveland State, W, 1-0
Sat., April 6, vs. Kentucky, 5 p.m.
Sat., April 13, vs. Xavier, Noon
Sun., April 21, at Butler, 3 p.m.
Sat., April 27, at Maryland, 2:30 p.m.
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