Cornell men’s soccer twice grabbed the lead against a previously unbeaten Akron team, but a late goal proved to be the difference Tuesday night as the No. 14 Zips edged the No. 18 Big Red 3-2 at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Leonardo Morana scored in the 90th minute off an assist from Jack Roman, completing Akron’s second comeback of the night and handing Cornell its first loss of the season. The Big Red fell to 2-1, while Akron improved to 3-0-1.
Cornell struck first in the sixth minute when Liam May finished a pass from Zapata, beating Akron goalkeeper Brett Kaminski to put the Big Red in front. The goal was particularly notable against an Akron defense that had not allowed a goal through its first three games.
Cornell maintained its advantage through halftime, with freshman goalkeeper Lennon Harrington making a key defensive play late in the opening half. Harrington’s one-on-one tackle inside the box prevented a dangerous Akron opportunity and helped preserve the lead.
The Zips pulled even in the 48th minute when Jack Sullivan converted a penalty kick. The call came after a lengthy sequence that initially continued before video review overturned the decision.
Cornell responded less than four minutes later. Connor Miller created his own opportunity, working along the end line with a defender on him before firing through traffic for his second goal in as many games and putting the Big Red back ahead.
Akron answered again in the 56th minute when Thomas O’Rourke found the net, setting up Morana’s late winner.
Akron controlled much of the offensive play, outshooting Cornell 17-8 and holding a 6-3 advantage in shots on goal. Filip Versterre made three saves for the Big Red, while Kaminski stopped one shot.
Cornell returns to action Tuesday, September 15, when it travels to Pittsburgh for a 7 p.m. matchup.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.