Box Score

AKRON, Ohio -- In what has become one of the better soccer rivalries in the Mid-American Conference, Western Michigan fell to 16th-ranked Akron, 2-0, Friday afternoon at Lee Jackson Field in the Broncos' league opener.

"We played hard, but couldn't score a goal and it's difficult to win when you can't do that," said coach Chris Karwoski, who squad has encountered the Zips in the postseason the last four years.  "At this point, we need to figure a way to score."

Akron (7-3-0/2-0-0 MAC) dominated in total shots (18-4), but was thwarted most of the game by goalkeeper Casey Aubil, who finished with six saves.  The Zips struck in the 37th minute on Matt Tutich's shot, then added an insurance goal on Ashley Kozicki's successful penalty kick with 14 minutes left in regulation.

WMU's lone shot on goal came off the foot of Trevor McEnroe, but it was turned away by an alert Akron player.  The Broncos did not create any corner kick chances while Akron took seven kicks along the goal line.

WMU (2-8-0/0-1-0 MAC) will host Wisconsin-Green Bay Sunday (Oct. 1) at 1 p.m.