Wake Forest University
Akron
Wake Forest Downs Akron 2-1
9/30/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
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By Nick Sebesta, Wake Forest Athletic Communications (@WakeMSoccer)
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Behind two first half goals from Ian Harkes and Ricky Greensfelder, Wake Forest defeated Akron 2-1 on Tuesday night at Spry Stadium.
The Demon Deacons (5-4-0, 1-2-0 ACC) controlled the pace in the first half, limiting Akron (4-3-1, 0-0-0 MAC) to just two shots and going up 2-0 at halftime. Akron responded with an early second half goal and had a chance to tie it late in the half on a penalty kick, but goalkeeper Alec Ferrell made the save as Wake Forest finished with a 2-1 victory.
Newly minted NSCAA National Player of the Week, Michael Gamble assisted on Harkes goal, giving him 11 points in the last three games. Tane Gent and Jon Bakero also had assists as they helped on Greensfelder's goal.
Wake Forest went up 1-0 in the first half as Harkes scored his second of the season. After a give-and-go play with Gamble to get open right in front of the Akron goalie, Harkes pocketed the ball for the first tally of the game.
Minutes later, Greensfelder slipped one past the goalkeeper near the left post after passes from Tane Gent and Jon Bakero, giving Wake Forest a 2-0 advantage. Coming out of the locker room, Richie Laryear of Akron scored in the 50th minute to make it a 2-1 game.
Akron threatened in the 70th minute as the Zips earned a penalty kick after a Wake Forest player was called for a foul in the box. Akron's Victor Souto's shot was blocked by goalkeeper Ferrell and the Deacs managed to keep the rebound out as the following shot went wide.
Ferrell finished the game with five saves.
Notes
- Wake Forest held Akron to zero corner kicks while taking eight.
- After not recording a point in the first six games of the season, Gent has tallied a point in three-straight games.
- Gamble has recorded a point in all but two games this season.
- Jon Bakero made his second start of the season and tallied his first career point with the assist on Greensfelder's goal.
- Akron's penalty kick in the second half was the first by an opponent against Wake Forest this season. It was the first missed penalty kick by a Demon Deacon opponent since 2010.
- Wake Forest out shot Akron 14-11, continuing the streak of outshooting every opponent this season.
- Ian Harkes made his 30th consecutive start for Wake Forest, dating back to the first game of the 2013 season.
- Announced attendance was 1,107.
Next Up
Wake Forest hosts ACC-rival Duke on Friday night at Spry Stadium at 7 p.m. The game is the seventh annual Genna Wiley Memorial Match pink rally towels given away to the first 500 fans and fans who wear pink will receive free admission. There will be a pink auction for game-worn jerseys and balls signed by the entire team.
