The University of Akron (5-11-3, 2-4-1) wrapped up the 2013 season on a rain-drenched Thursday afternoon with a 2-1 loss to Mid-American Conference opponent the University at Buffalo (6-9-3, 3-7-1) at FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field.
The Bulls struck first on the scoreboard with a goal at the 3:57 mark by Karen McMahon to give UB a 1-0 advantage early into the first.
Despite the early goal, junior Lani Smith scored the match-tying goal in the ninth minute. Smith finished the season with nine goals and two assists to give her a total of 20 points this season. Her 20-point season ranks tied for third in program history for points in a season, while her nine goals ties the single season record for Akron women’s soccer.
Buffalo fought back quickly to attain their second lead of the afternoon. Kristin Markiewicz netted an unassisted goal from the top of the box at the 12:29 mark, which would bring the match to its final score of 2-1.
Goalkeeper Alex Luevano-Harden started the match, and saw her record fall to 1-7-0 in the decision. She also recorded a pair of saves in the contest.
The Zips defense had a strong performance on Sunday in spite of the goals scored by the Bulls. UA held Buffalo to two shots in the second half and just one corner kick overall in the match. Defenders Katie George, Gillian Gross, Brianna Kanz and Maggie Rusnak remained on the pitch for the duration of the match.
Akron finished the season with 21 goals and 17 assists, good for a total of 59 points in 2013.
