AKRON, Ohio ? Just eight minutes into the men?s soccer contest between Kentucky and Akron, UK midfielder Brad Frederick misfired as he attempted to clear the ball from the Kentucky net and tapped in an own goal to give the Zips an early lead that they would not surrender, topping the visiting Wildcats 1-0 – on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at Lee Jackson Field.
Kentucky (1-5-2) dropped its second consecutive game and its five losses in the first eight games marks the most losses in an opening eight-game span in school history. UK lost its opening five games in 1998, going 3-5 in its first eight contests, before finishing with a 12-9 record – including a 7-1 mark in conference action.
Akron improves its all-time advantage in the series between the two teams, 4-8-2. UK has now dropped its past three meetings with the Zips. Akron out-shot the Wildcats 14-3.
Akron (4-2-0) got on the board first, as a Zips shot deflected off the foot of midfielder Brad Frederick, who was attempting to clear the ball. The ball floated into the back corner of the UK net, as UK keeper Dan Williams was guarding the front post.
Steve Zakuani registered the Zips second scoring opportunity of the half in the 14th minute, as the freshman forward ripped a shot from the left-side of the 18-yard box into a diving Williams.
After a UK attack faltered in the 23rd minute, Akron formed a counter attack and, after some efficient passing, Zakuani found himself wide open inside the 18-yard box with just the keeper to beat. Zakuani fired a low-rising shot that narrowly missed wide.
Sophomore defender Barry Rice registered the Wildcats first shot of the match in the 33rd minute, as Rice ripped a free kick from about 25 yards out through a wall of defenders and saved by Zip goalkeeper Evan Bush.
Akron attempted to add to its lead in the 39th minute, as Zakuani received a cross from about 10 yards out on the left side of the box, and fired a shot that bounced off the cross bar and just under UK?s sliding defender, Matt Weiler.
In the 43rd minute, Zakuani fired another shot that narrowly missed finding the net, clanking off the left cross bar.
Kentucky mounted several more chances in the second half and in the final 10 minutes, an Akron player was issued his second yellow card of the contest, giving UK a man advantage. The Wildcats couldn?t mount any more offense, despite the one-man advantage.
Williams totaled three saves while Bush, the Akron keeper, saved one. The Wildcats totaled three shots to the Zips? 14 and took three corner kicks to Akron?s eight.
Kentucky returns to action on Friday when it travels to Western Kentucky University for a 7 p.m. showdown with state rival WKU.
