Score: No. 18/25 Akron 3, VCU 1
Location: Akron, Ohio (FirstEnergy Stadium)
Records: VCU 0-2-0,  No. 18/25 Akron 2-0-0 
 
The short story: The Rams scored first and led at the half, but the Zips rallied with two goals early in the second half to pull away. 
 
QUICK FACTS

• Redshirt junior defender Jared Valdes scored the Rams' first goal of the 2022 campaign early in the first half. It is the second career goal for Dunn Loving, Va. native.  
• Sophomore goalkeeper Cory Taylor and redshirt sophomore goalkeeper John Ermini combined for six saves in net on the night. 
• Akron outshot the Rams 24-4, including nine shots on goal to VCU's three. The home-standing Zips also held an 8-1 advantage in corner kicks.  

 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• After a quiet start for both sides, VCU struck first with Valdes' strike in the middle of the box off of a deft corner kick from sophomore forward Camilo Comi in the 14^th minute.
• Akron peppered shots on the Rams' goal late in the first half, but Taylor and the defense were able to keep them at bay and maintain a 1-0 lead at halftime. 
• However, Akron turned the tide coming out of the locker room, notching two goals within the first 10 minutes of the second half, scored by Josh Hallenberger and Dyson Clapier.
• The Zips capped the scoring for the evening with a 68^th minute goal from Johnny Fitzgerald. 

 
QUOTING COACH DAVE GIFFARD
"Losing is never something that anyone wants but with that being said, I was proud of the fight from the boys tonight. To challenge ourselves the way we are after losing eleven starters from last season, we knew it was going to be a tough ask.

Our focus as a team is on improving each day and learning from each game. We made several positive steps forward from a very tough opening night result. We fought and battled throughout and created some really good chances to score against another top team and got much more pressure on the ball and played at a much quicker pace in possession. The details in the two 18-yards boxes could have been better and that probably cost us a couple goals against us, and we missed what should have been some better high-quality chances by not making the right choices in the attacking third with and without the ball.

In the end, we are getting closer to having Gerardo back at left back and improving along with way as a brand new team. We know that we don't win titles in August, but we have to improve and learn in August and September to give us chances to play at a level that will allow this young team to compete for titles as the year goes on." 
 
UP NEXT
The Black and Gold will conclude their season-opening road trip against New Hampshire of the America East Conference. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 3, and it will be broadcast on ESPN+.