Army Soccer Plays to 0-0 Draw Against No. 12 Akron

AKRON, Ohio – Army West Point men’s soccer held No. 12 Akron scoreless on the road Monday night, securing a 0-0 draw at FirstEnergy Stadium in Akron, Ohio.

Sophomore goalkeeper Collin Gilbert starred in the match, turning away all six shots on goal that he faced to shut down the Zips’ offense in front of 1,686 fans in attendance. Gilbert came up big throughout the contest, denying Akron’s Matt Dreas in the 39th minute, Matthew Paiva in the 58th, and Nolan McGuire in the 61st of goals before closing out the game with a pair of saves in the final two minutes of play on shots by Ignacio Alem and Dreas.

The 0-0 draw capped a day of recognitions for the Black Knights. Senior Kelly Cooper was named Patriot League Defender of the Week, and freshman Gunnar Guest was named Patriot League Rookie of the Week, both announced by the Patriot League earlier today. Honorees Cooper and Guest, both played a full 90 minutes in the game, helping the Black Knights limit nationally ranked Akron’s attack to zero goals on 24 shots attempted.

Army generated its own opportunities in the game but were unable to capitalize on them and breakthrough the Zips defense. Senior Jubril Bamgbala recorded two shots on the night, including an attempt in the 67th minute, while Kasem Minzey and Riley Cullum each got looks on goal, but could not get the ball past Akron’s junior goalkeeper Brett Kaminski.

Army held Akron without a goal despite allowing 10 corner kicks, outmatching the Black Knights’ three and being whistled for 15 fouls to the Zips’ four. Nicholas Berardi and Curtis Boozer each received a yellow card in the match.

The 0-0 draw moves the Black Knights to 0-0-2 on the season, and Akron to 1-0-1.