Agunbiade’s Double Secures Akron’s Spot in NCAA Quarterfinals
The University of Akron men’s soccer team secured their position in the NCAA Quarterfinals with a decisive 2-0 victory over No. 15 Duke. The match took place on November 30 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Akron, Ohio. Sophomore Remi Agunbiade was the standout player, netting both goals for the 14th-seeded Zips.
Victory Overview
This victory marked a significant achievement for Akron, as it allowed them to advance to the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals. Agunbiade’s performance was exceptional, with his two goals being the first multi-goal game for an Akron player in the NCAA Tournament since 2018.
Scoring Breakdown
- First Goal: Agunbiade scored his sixth goal of the season in the 11th minute, assisted by redshirt sophomore Tyler Morck.
- Second Goal: His second goal came at the 51:13 mark, assisted by sophomore Jack Roman, bringing his season tally to seven goals.
Throughout the game, Akron dominated in shots on goal, recording a total of 12 compared to Duke’s 10. Notably, Akron managed to secure a 4-0 advantage in shots on target.
Key Player Performances
Redshirt senior goalkeeper Mitch Budler achieved his NCAA-leading 13th shutout of the season, notably without facing any shots on goal. Roman led the team with five shots overall, contributing significantly to Akron’s offensive efforts.
Upcoming Matches
The Zips will face either 11th-seeded Bryant or Saint Louis in the next round. This match is scheduled for either December 5 or 6, marking another crucial step in their NCAA Tournament journey.
