AKRON, OHIO — Saint Louis pulled off a dramatic comeback to stun #14 Akron 3-2 on Saturday, rallying from a two-goal deficit in front of 1,918 fans at the home of the Zips. The Billikens, riding a strong NCAA Tournament run, scored twice in the second half to overtake the higher-seeded hosts and secure a crucial victory in the championship bracket.
Akron struck first when Jack Roman found the back of the net in the 3rd minute, giving the home side an early advantage. Matt Dreas extended that lead to 2-0 in the 38th minute, and the Zips appeared to be in control heading into halftime. But Saint Louis had other plans. An own goal in the 49th minute cut the deficit in half, breathing new life into the visitors' comeback bid.
The turning point came late in the match. Quinten Blair equalized for Saint Louis in the 78th minute, setting up a frantic final stretch. With momentum firmly on their side, the Billikens found the decisive goal when Tanner Anderson struck in the 87th minute, sending the Saint Louis contingent into celebration. Anderson's late heroics proved to be the difference in a match that swung dramatically in the final 20 minutes.
Saint Louis controlled possession through much of the second half, outshooting Akron 16-8 overall and 6-4 on target. The Billikens' attacking pressure eventually overwhelmed a Zips defense that had looked solid early on. Akron's task became even more difficult when they were reduced to 10 men following a red card to Matt Dreas in the 62nd minute, a moment that shifted the tactical balance decisively.
The first half belonged to Akron, who pressed aggressively and capitalized on their early chances. Roman's opening goal came from close range, and Dreas' finish was clinical. Saint Louis struggled to find rhythm in the opening 45 minutes, managing just a handful of meaningful chances. The Zips' defense was organized and disciplined, keeping the Billikens at arm's length despite their possession advantage.
Everything changed after the break. Saint Louis emerged with renewed intensity, immediately testing Akron's backline. The own goal in the 49th minute seemed to spark something in the visitors, who began to dominate the midfield battle. Jack DiMaria and Drake Fournier drove forward consistently, while Carlos Leatherman provided defensive stability. The pressure mounted relentlessly until Blair found space to level the match.
Anderson's winning goal capped a remarkable turnaround. The Saint Louis forward capitalized on a chaotic moment in the Akron penalty area, finishing decisively when it mattered most. His performance in the closing stages exemplified the Billikens' resilience and attacking prowess when it counted. For Akron, the loss stings after controlling much of the match, particularly the first half when they looked like the superior side.
Saint Louis' comeback victory showcases the team's ability to respond under pressure and execute when opportunities arise. Coming from two goals down against a ranked opponent on the road demonstrates the kind of resilience that wins championships. The Billikens now advance to the College Cup semifinals in Cary, North Carolina, where they'll face No. 15 NC State on Friday, December 12. After proving they can overcome adversity against a quality Akron side, Saint Louis enters the final weekend with dangerous momentum. Tanner Anderson's late-game heroics and the team's second-half dominance suggest the Billikens have the mental toughness and attacking firepower to make a serious run at the national title.