The Zips traveled to Pennsylvania on August 27 for their first road test of the season, only to see a 2‑0 defeat at the hands of the Duquesne Dukes. Despite controlling more of the ball and generating a higher volume of attempts, Akron could not find the back of the net.
Duquesne’s goalkeeper, Ali Hughes, turned away seven shots, preserving a clean sheet and delivering the decisive edge in a match defined by goaltending. Across the field, Akron’s own keeper, Sara Bower, logged four saves in each half, keeping her side in contention until the final whistle.
Shot statistics underscored the Zips’ offensive pressure: Akron recorded 16 total attempts with seven on goal, while Duquesne managed nine attempts, six of which were on target. The disparity in shots did not translate into goals, however, as the Dukes’ defense held firm.
A single yellow card was issued to Akron during the contest, but the disciplinary note was a minor footnote in a game dominated by the performances between the posts. After the final whistle, the Zips fell to a 2‑1 overall record, whereas Duquesne improved to 2‑2.
What’s Next for the Zips?
Looking ahead, Akron will head to Kentucky on August 30 to meet the Louisville Cardinals. The upcoming matchup offers a chance for the Zips to rebound from the early setback and fine‑tune the strategies that generated a high shot count against Duquesne.
Coach Daniyal Akhmedov praised the team’s effort, noting that the volume of chances created is a positive indicator for future games. He emphasized the need to convert those opportunities and maintain defensive solidity against a disciplined Louisville side.