The national championship is the first for Akron in any sport.
The Zips finish 22-1-2. They lost last season's national title game to Virginia, 3-2 on penalty kicks.
A defensive first half saw few opportunities for both Akron and Louisville. In the final two minutes of play, the Cardinals were awarded a free kick. Paolo DelPiccolo blasted the shot toward goal. Zips sophomore goalkeeper David Meves grabbed it for the save. Less than a minute later, Akron had the same opportunity. Anthony Ampaipitakwong bent a perfect kick into the box. Louisville goalkeeper Andre Boudreaux made the save. Louisville outshot Akron in the first half, 5-4. Meves had three saves, while Boudreaux had two.
In the second half, Akron started some sustained attacks. Darlington Nagbe made an early run and Louisville's defense couldn't quite clear the attempt. Boudreaux jumped on it for the save. Kofi Sarkodie added an attempt a couple minutes later, blasting a shot toward goal. Boudreaux fell to the pitch and grabbed it with one hand, pulling it out of harm's way.
Akron Wins NCAA Soccer Title
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