Men’s soccer now ranks third in the MAC behind the Zips and Western Michigan (7-3-2, 1-1 MAC) after it fell to No. 6 Akron (10-2-1) on Saturday in Akron, Ohio.

Akron outshot the Huskies 10-5 in the first period, getting off to a quick start in the game. The Zips picked up 10 fouls compared to NIU’s three and captured one save to the Huskies’ four.

Akron scored its first goal in the 32nd minute of play after freshman midfielder Richie Laryea scored his seventh career goal on an assist from junior midfielder Goncalo Soares.

The Zips scored again less than three minutes later on a goal by junior midfielder Victor Souto, his second of the year.

The Huskies weren’t able to slow Akron down in the second period as Laryea scored his second goal of the game in the 59th minute on an assist from sophomore forward Sam Gainford.

Laryea struck again just two minutes later, scoring his third goal of the game and bringing his season total to nine. The goal gave the Zips a 4-0 lead that they held for the remainder of the game.

Akron outshot NIU 21-12 and had 19 fouls while the Huskies had just eight. NIU picked up nine saves compared to the Zips’ five.

“A lot of credit has to go to Akron,” said head coach Eric Luzzi, according to an NIU Athletics news release. “They had eight days rest, and they were very sharp, very good tonight. We have seen them play six or seven times, and we got their best game.”

“We are disappointed; the guys are disappointed,” Luzzi said. “I told them after the game that the disappointment has to drive us on to make sure that we take care of what we need to take care of in our upcoming games and give us a chance at some redeeming performances to hopefully give us a chance to see Akron again at some point.” The Huskies will move on to play Loyola at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. The two teams haven’t met since 2010, a game NIU took 3-1.

With just four games remaining in the regular season, the Huskies still have a chance to move into second or first place in the MAC if they can win the rest of their games.