Bulls Season Comes To An End With a 4-0 Loss At Akron

Saturday, November 8

7 pm

University at Buffalo

5-10-2, 1-2-2

Akron

11-6-1, 4-1-0

Team	1	2	Final F
Buffalo	0	0	0
Akron	2	2	4

Bulls Season Comes To An End With a 4-0 Loss At Akron

11/8/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

AKRON, OH – The State University of New York, Buffalo men's soccer team (5-10-2, 1-2-2 MAC) saw their season come to an end on Saturday night on the road at regular season conference champions Akron, falling by the score of 4-0. UB's loss coupled with the Bowling Green victory, eliminated the Bulls from the Mid-American Conference Tournament as they finished the season with five points.

"It's a disappointing way for us to end our season," stated second-year head coach Stu Riddle. "But we have to give Akron credit where it is due because they were excellent tonight especially with their clinical finishing. They are fully deserving of the MAC regular season crown."

The Zips opened up the scoring in just the 13^th minute of action after the Bulls had some early pressure. After earning a corner kick, Akron's Adam Najem placed a perfect cross into the box where Clint Caso headed the ball into the low left corner of the net for his first career goal.

Just 14 minutes later, the Zips increased their lead to 2-0 as Najem put one past Waleed Cassis from the far left wing. Najem's 11^th goal of the season was assisted by Richie Laryea and Sean Sepe.

As the first half came to a close, the Zips held the 9-2 advantage in shots while their only two shots on goal both found the back of the net. Akron also was awarded six corner kicks while the Bulls received none.

UB came out and played better in the second half but they were stifled by the Zips defense all night long. In the 61^st minute, Daniel Cramarossa had his shot on goal saved by the Akron keeper from the right wing. Just three minutes later, the Zips extended their lead to 3-0 behind a Sam Gainford goal in the 64^th minute.

In the 76^th minute, Buffalo's leading scorer Russell Cicerone had a good chance from the top of the box but his blast was calmly handled by the Zips' keeper to preserve the shutout for Akron. The Zips responded with their fourth and final goal of the contest just five minutes later as Anthony Macchione buried a shot after a feed from Najem.

For the match, Akron held the 17-5 advantage in shots and the 9-0 edge in corner kicks. In goal, Cassis made two saves in his final match in the Blue and White while his counterpart, Jake Fenlason, also finished with a pair of saves in his clean sheet victory.

Bulls go to man, Cicerone, finished off his impressive sophomore campaign with 10 goals and three assists for UB after receiving Freshman of the Year accolades last season. Senior Kristian Lee-Him also played in his final match as a Bull on Saturday night.

UB wraps up their second season under head coach Stu Riddle with an overall record of 5-10-2 and a conference mark of 1-2-2.