Men’s Soccer Defeated By No. 6 Akron, 5-0 - The Villanovan
By Google News Sports ·
Villanova’s men’s soccer closed out its home schedule Saturday afternoon with a 5-0 loss to No. 6 Akron at the Higgins Soccer Complex.
The loss moved Villanova to 5-8-3 overall and 0-6-1 in Big East play, while Akron improved to 10-1-4 overall. It also marked the Wildcats’ fifth consecutive game without a win.
The matchup marked Akron’s first-ever visit to Villanova and the Wildcats’ final home contest of the 2026 season.
Villanova attempted its first shot within the opening minute and a half.
Goalkeeper Alex Yagudayev didn’t have to make a save until the 20th minute, as the Wildcats initially limited Akron’s opportunities.
However, Akron broke through in the 24th minute with a goal from Thomas O’Rourke, who scored from the top of the box to give the Zips a 1-0 advantage.
Farrel Ngongang scored twice, first in the 41st minute off an assist from Londen Sears, then again in the 44th minute, with assists from Sears and Leonardo Morana.
The three goals in the final stretch of the first half gave Akron a commanding 3-0 lead heading into halftime.
Despite the deficit, the Wildcats generated more offensive pressure and recorded nine shots in the second half compared to just one in the opening 45 minutes.
At one point, Villanova tested Akron’s goalkeeper three times in less than three minutes, creating a stretch of sustained attacking pressure.
Head coach Mark Fetrow acknowledged the team’s improved possession and attacking efforts but emphasized the importance of sustaining that momentum.
“I thought we had spells where we did a good job of keeping possession and trying to create opportunities in the final third,” Fetrow said. “There was a good spell in the second half, about 15, 20 minutes, and us moving and pressing, playing in the attacking half and creating…
Originally published by Google News Sports