Aug. 21, 2005

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AKRON, Ohio - The Akron Zips claimed the title at the first-ever Westfield Cup by defeating No. 2 Maryland, 2-0, Sunday afternoon at the Akron Soccer Stadium. Akron's Yohann Mauger scored on a 30-yard shot and the Terps gave up an own goal in the loss.

The Terps were forced to play a man down after a red card was issued midway through the first half. Both Akron goals came while Maryland was short a player.

"This was a good experience for our team," head coach Sasho Cirovski said. "I think they learned a lot about themselves and about the kind of team we can be this year."

The Zips got the first goal of the game in the 50th minute after Mauger received a pass 10 yards outside the top of the box. Mauger had space and fired the shot over the top of Terp keeper Chris Seitz for the score. Akron then went up 2-0 in the 62nd minute on an own goal when Sinisa Ubiparipovic sent a corner kick that went off a Terrapin defender in the box and into the net.

Neither team was able to establish itself through the first 45 minutes. The Terps and Zips combined for just four shots, with Maryland getting the only shot on goal. Maryland's best offensive chance in came early in the half after Stephen King sent a low cross to the far post where Robbie C'deBaca was making a run. However, the ball was deflected by the keeper just as C'deBaca was sliding in for the shot. Minutes later C'deBaca took only Terp shot on goal on a header off a corner by Michael Dello-Russo, but Akron's Evan Bush was in position to make the save.

The red card came in the 28th minute when David Glaudemans was whistled after taking down an Akron player, leaving the Terps a man down for the game's remaining 62 minutes.

Akron controlled the possession in the second half and the pressure resulted in the Zip goals. After taking just one shot in the first half, Akron was able to fire six shots in the second frame. Goalkeeper Chris Seitz made several athletic saves in the second half to help keep the Zips at bay.

For the second straight game the Terps played with a limited roster as several regulars were held out of action for precautionary reasons.

Maryland's Stephen King, Maurice Edu and Kenney Bertz were named to the all-tournament team.

Maryland will open the regular season in two weeks in California for a pair of games against Cal State Fullerton and UCLA.