VILLANOVA, Pa. – The Villanova men's soccer home slate came to an end on Saturday afternoon as the Wildcats fell to No. 6 Akron 5-0 at the Higgins Soccer Complex.
Alex Yagudayev made four saves between the pipes for the 'Cats (5-8-3, 0-6-1 BIG EAST) while Brody Crampton, Luke Martelli and Mikhail Zaretser each tallied a pair of shots.
"We had spells where we did a good job of keeping possession and trying to create opportunities in the final third," head coach Mark Fetrow said. "But Akron's a really good team, that's why they're in the top 10 in the country and they capitalized on their opportunities."
It was a strong start for Villanova as the Wildcats had valuable possessions to begin the affair, getting a shot off in the first minute and a half and not forcing Yagudayev to make a save until 20 minutes in.
The Zips did get the scoring started in the 24th minute on a goal from the top of the box, then added a pair of scores in the final four minutes of the first half for a 3-0 halftime lead.
The final 45 also featured extended bouts of possession for the 'Cats with the visiting keeper being tested three times in less than three minutes at one point, but VU couldn't find the back of the net.
"We want to be a team that can keep the ball and build," Fetrow said. "So we want to just continue to be bought into that and connect simple actions."
Akron scored over 25 minutes into the second half, then put forth the game's final goal in the 80th minute for a 5-0 final.
Villanova's home schedule comes to a close, and the VU season will reach its end in north Jersey next weekend as the Wildcats visit Seton Hall at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 6.
