Roman's Strike Lifts #16 Akron Past Cleveland State in Wild 59th-Minute Sequence
Zips midfielder converts from close range just seconds after Vikings thought they had broken deadlock
AKRON, OH – In one of the most bizarre sequences of the college soccer season, 16th-ranked Akron emerged victorious over Cleveland State 1-0 on Sunday afternoon, with Jack Roman's 59th-minute strike coming mere seconds after the Vikings appeared to have taken the lead themselves.
The match's defining moment unfolded in the most dramatic fashion possible. At exactly 59:45, Cleveland State defender Adrian Bravo-Sanchez thought he had broken the deadlock for the visitors. However, in an almost instantaneous response that left spectators bewildered, Roman tucked away the decisive goal for the Zips with assists from Stefan Dobrijevic and Jose Pedro, officially recorded at the same timestamp.
The frantic sequence capped off what had been a tightly contested defensive battle between two well-organized sides. Akron's attacking intent was evident throughout, as they peppered Cleveland State's goal with 15 shots compared to the visitors' 12. The Zips' persistence in the final third proved crucial, with Roman's clinical finish serving as the reward for sustained pressure.
Stefan Dobrijevic emerged as Akron's most dangerous attacking threat, registering five shots while creating the assist for Roman's winner. The forward's relentless runs and positioning caused problems for Cleveland State's backline all afternoon, with his creativity in the final third proving instrumental in the Zips' attacking phases.
Cleveland State goalkeeper Ryan Poling stood tall between the posts for the full 90 minutes, making several crucial interventions to keep his side in contention. The keeper's six saves, including stops from Daragh Reilly and Jack Sullivan in the first half, demonstrated the quality required to face the ranked opposition.
The tactical battle intensified after the halftime break, with both sides generating increased attacking momentum. Cleveland State earned seven corner kicks in the second half alone, putting significant pressure on Akron's defensive structure. The Vikings' set-piece delivery created several promising opportunities, but Mitch Budler and the Zips' defense held firm when it mattered most.
Akron's superiority in possession and territorial advantage became more pronounced as the match progressed. The home side's five corner kicks and higher shot count reflected their ability to control large portions of the contest, particularly in the attacking third where their movement and passing combinations regularly troubled Cleveland State's defensive shape.
The disciplinary aspect of the match remained relatively controlled, with Cleveland State accumulating four yellow cards to Akron's two. Matteo Correia, Uros Jevtic, Tom Mertz, and Paolo Roditti all found their names in the referee's book for the visitors, while Farrel Ngongang and Jack Sullivan received cautions for the Zips.
Roman's match-winning contribution highlighted the midfielder's ability to find space in crucial moments. His positioning during the chaotic 59th-minute sequence exemplified the type of opportunistic finishing that separates good teams from great ones at the collegiate level.
The victory showcased Akron's credentials as a legitimate force in Division I men's soccer, with their ranking appearing well-justified based on this performance. Their ability to maintain composure during pressure moments and capitalize on limited clear-cut opportunities demonstrated the tactical maturity expected from a top-20 program.
Key Players
- Jack Roman (Akron) - Converted the decisive goal in the 59th minute and showed excellent positioning throughout the match - Stefan Dobrijevic (Akron) - Led all players with five shots and provided the crucial assist for the winner while consistently threatening Cleveland State's defense - Ryan Poling (Cleveland State) - Made six saves in a strong goalkeeping performance that kept the Vikings competitive against ranked opposition