Josh Hallenberger, Dyson Clapier, Johnny Fitzgerald lead Akron to 3-1 soccer win over VCU
Photo gallery:Akron men's soccer earns 3-1 win over VCU
The University of Akron men's soccer team scored three goals in the second half of its home opener Monday night at FirstEnergy Stadium to earn a 3-1 win over Virginia Commonwealth University.
Sophomores Josh Hallenberger and Dyson Clapier and junior Johnny Fitzgerald scored the goals for the Zips (2-0), who entered the match after earning a season-opening 5-3 win over host Florida International on Aug. 25.
“We were excellent in the second half,” UA coach Jared Embick said of Monday’s win. “The tempo was great. We really created some quality chances to get the goals.
“... I am really pleased with the attitude and effort of the team. Hopefully, people saw an exciting team that is ready to compete for championships.”
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UA entered Monday ranked in two national polls — No. 18 in College Soccer News and No. 25 in Top Drawer Soccer.
VCU’s Jared Valdes scored a goal in the 14th minute off a corner kick by Camillo Comi to give the Rams a 1-0 halftime lead, but the Zips continued to apply pressure.
“The first half, we had a lot of possession and played around the outside of them and we didn’t really get numbers in the box,” Embick said. “One mistake, one turnover led to a corner and we didn’t do our jobs on the corner and went down 1-0.
“We gave them a chance to believe. At halftime, it was as simple as we gotta prove we can come from behind. We are not going to score the first goal in 20-some games this year. This was a great opportunity in our home opener to make a few adjustments and then just go and show you want to win."
Hallenberger’s goal in the 50th minute leveled the score at 1-1. Clapier and sophomore Gyuwon Chong assisted on the strike.
Hallenberger said he and his teammates “have big goals for this season.”
“The level of team chemistry is awesome,” Hallenberger said. “There is nobody on the team that doesn’t like each other. We are all close and we all hang out. We are always together and we have that type of chemistry out there on the field. Because of that, we play so well together and we are able to create a lot of chances. We have a very deep team this year with a lot of really good players. No matter who subs in, you know they can score a goal.
“... Scoring a goal felt amazing. The fans were great and the atmosphere was great.”
Clapier netted his goal in the 55th minute off a pass from junior Ryan Kingsford to give UA a 2-1 lead.
"I am liking our team a lot," Clapier said. "I feel like this team is very special, especially in scoring goals. I think we have one of the deadliest attacks in the country.
"... There is an even amount of experienced players that can help guide the young players, and a lot of young players with a lot of talent that can help this team win games."
Fitzgerald contributed his goal in the 69th minute when he dove toward the grass and headed the ball into the net following a crossing pass from Clapier.
“The biggest thing for us is our depth and our energy,” Fitzgerald said. “We have been together as a group, most of us, for the past six months since the spring. I think that shows a lot. We are building on stuff that we have already worked on for six months and we have the depth to be successful. … We are capable of scoring multiple goals each game.”
Zips redshirt freshman goalkeeper Mitch Budler made two saves and allowed one goal.
UA’s three goals Monday against unranked VCU followed a five-goal performance last week versus FIU, ranked No. 18 in the national coaches poll. Zips sophomore Jason Shokalook scored two goals against FIU. Fitzgerald, junior Joel Sangwa and freshman Stefan Dobrijevic added one goal apiece.
Zips junior Josef Paulus had two assists against FIU, and sophomore Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal, Shokalook and junior Will Jackson each had one assist.
“We have got some exciting young players that have a little bit of experience,” Emick said. “They are not necessarily complete freshmen. They don’t have a ton of experience, but I think we have a nice blend there. Right now, we are clearly more dangerous in the attack and we need to clean up a few things defensively and get a little more cohesive and tighter in areas.
"We are really dynamic on the ball and when we can attack you. I think that is really going to help us moving forward. [Monday], Hallenberger came in off the bench and showed some depth. Kingsford came in and really helped us off the bench too. We have a lot of weapons. ... Willie Jackson is our captain, and Dyson and Fitzy have played a lot of minutes.”
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Akron Zips hail from near and far
The UA men's soccer team continues to attract players from all over the world.
The Zips roster this year features players from the United States, England, Germany, Canada, Croatia, Senegal, Japan and Northern Ireland.
This year’s roster also includes seven players with local ties: Copley graduates Sam Harter and Gavin Hill, Firestone graduates Stefan Dobrijevic and Levi Stephens, Highland graduate Josef Paulus and Hudson graduates Will Jackson and Connor Lee.
Harter is a redshirt midfielder, Hill is a freshman goalkeeper, Dobrijevic is a freshman forward, Stephens is a freshman defender, Paulus is a junior midfielder, Jackson is a junior defender and Lee is a redshirt midfielder.
Next up for the Akron Zips
UA is set to host Wright State at 7 p.m. Friday.
"We had a great home opener," Fitzgerald said. "I am thankful for all the fans and hopefully we get the same crowd on Friday."
Michael Beaven can be reached at mbeaven@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow Beaven on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBeavenABJ.
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This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron men's soccer opens home schedule with 3-1 win over VCU
