By Yousof Hamza
The Youngstown State University women’s soccer team fell to the University of Akron Zips 3-2.
This game concluded the team’s seven game non-conference schedule, where it amassed a record of zero wins, six losses and one tie.
Head coach Brian Shrum said the team learned about patience and team development from the non-conference schedule and will continue to practice the same way going into conference play.
“We showed some patience in the middle of the game, first part of the game and then again toward the end of the game,” Shrum said. “But I think toward the end of the game, our patience was skewed based off of Akron sitting in and not wanting to give up their lead.”
Junior forward Marcella Sizer said the team has confidence going into conference play.
“I think we did a very good job in the first 10, 15 minutes to the game, the first half we did very well,” she said. “We let a goal slip in, but we did not let that bring us down, and I think we came out even harder.”
Sizer scored her first goal of the season against Akron. She said the disappointing non-conference record motivates the team to not lose in conference.
A different player has scored each of the teams five goals this season. They have averaged a 0.083% shot on goal percentage throughout the season and have been outscored 17-5.
The team starts conference play at home against the Oakland University Golden Grizzlies today; kickoff is at 5:30 p.m.