Wolverines Score Three, Earn First Clean Sheet in Win Over Cornell

Friday, September 6

Ann Arbor, Mich.

5:00 PM

Michigan

2-1-0, 0-0-0

Cornell

0-1-0, 0-0-0

Cornell

Michigan

Andrew Verdi

Wolverines Score Three, Earn First Clean Sheet in Win Over Cornell

9/6/2019 8:27:00 PM | Men's Soccer

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By: Brad Rudner

» The Wolverines scored three goals for the third straight match to start the season in a 3-0 win over Cornell on Friday (Sept. 6) at U-M Soccer Stadium.
» Mohammed Zakyi (34') opened the scoring, while Jackson Ragen (48') made it 2-0 right after halftime. Graduate student Nebojsa Popovic capped the scoring, his third goal in as many matches.
» The defense allowed just one shot on goal, combining with goalkeeper Andrew Verdi for the team's first clean sheet of the season.

Site: Ann Arbor, Mich. (U-M Soccer Stadium)
Score: Michigan 3, Cornell 0
Records: U-M (2-1-0), Cornell (0-1-0)
Attendance: 1,252
Next U-M Event: Sunday, Sept. 8 -- vs. #13 Washington (U-M Soccer Stadium), 6 p.m.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan men's soccer team continued its offensive outburst to start the season, toppling Cornell, 3-0, on Friday night (Sept. 6) at U-M Soccer Stadium. Juniors Mohammed Zakyi and Jackson Ragen both scored, while graduate student Nebojsa Popovic got his third goal in as many matches.

The Michigan defense played its best match of the early season, combining with senior Andrew Verdi on the shutout. The Wolverines allowed eight shots, but only one was on-frame.

There wasn't much action for either side in the first 30 minutes, but Zakyi changed that in the 34th minute. Senior Jack Hallahan played a lovely back-heel pass to Popovic, who crossed it center of the box to Zakyi. The Ghanaian brought it down with his chest and quickly took the shot with his right foot, freezing Cornell goalkeeper Brady McSwain, who did not make a play on the ball as it rolled into the net.

Cornell had a quick offensive spurt following the goal, but could not get a shot on Verdi, as the Michigan defense consistently threw their bodies in front of the shots. The Wolverines led, 1-0, at halftime.

Michigan added a second goal not three minutes into the second half. A Cornell foul gave junior Marc Ybarra a chance to send a free kick into the box. He lofted it to the near post where Ragen somehow got a foot on it, and arced it over the head of McSwain and crossed the line. The official signaled for video assistant referee, and the call was upheld, giving U-M a 2-0 lead.

The Wolverines kept the Big Red at bay in the second half and ultimately finished it off in the 88th minute through Popovic. Junior Carlos Tellez attempted to spring Popovic on the break, but the pass took a deflection off Cornell defender Ryan Bayne. Popovic settled it and had a one-on-one opportunity with McSwain and put the ball past him into the bottom-right corner.

Michigan's homestand will conclude Sunday (Sept. 8) with a matchup with No. 13-ranked Washington at U-M Soccer Stadium. First touch is slated for 6 p.m. Fans that attend Saturday's (Sept. 7) football game against Army can bring their ticket stub and gain free admission to the match.