Leaderboard

Soccer opens conference play tonight at Akron at 7pm on ESPN+. The Zips come in with a 2-5 non conference record, while the bulls come in 3-1-3. Akron played a relatively soft non-conference schedule, with 0 power 5 matches, while the bulls played very meaningful games, dropping a closely contested game vs Pitt 2-1, drawing 1-1 with a tough UConn side in Connecticut, and an impressive 2-1 upset of Ohio state on the road. Sharing one common opponent in Niagara (away), both teams came out with a win. Akron defeated NU 1-0, while the bulls beat the purple eagles 2-0. Akron and niagara played a pretty even game, nearly tying in all relevant statistics, while the bulls doubled niagara in shots and SOG. UB is a very good team with school record talent, their main problem comes in front of goal. The bulls struggle to capitalize on well-created chances, a change in fortune could see close games turn to blowouts. UB currently owns a 3 game win streak over Akron, with eyes on Buffalo to take charge of the MAC again this year. Buffalo’s Katie Krohn is no doubt looking to add to her tally of recent goals, as she’s scored 4 of UBs 8 this season. Finishing chances will be the defining feature of this game, if buffalo hits their target they should have minimal problems. Buffalo owns every accumulative stat this season vs opponents, while the zips’ opponents often take the advantage. Some big stat disparities: Goals against: (buffalo-5, akron-14) Corner kicks: (buffalo-32, akron-17) SOG against: (buffalo-22, akron-43) The bulls notably have a potent offense when it comes to creating chances, but even more notable is their watertight defense, allowing only 5 goals and 22 SOG in 7 games, often against quality opposition. The bulls also don’t commit major fouls, receiving 2 yellow cards, while drawing 9 from opponents. All in all women’s soccer should be set up for a great conference season, with much to be excited for. They’ll be home next this Sunday against Ohio. For this game I’ll put in a prediction of a UB win, 3-1.

Revisionist history at its finest.