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ROCHESTER, Mich. -- The University of Cincinnati men's soccer team won for the fourth time in five matches on Wednesday evening, taking a 3-0 decision at Oakland. The victory moves the Bearcats to 6-4 on the season entering a showdown this weekend with defending American Athletic Conference champion Tulsa.
It was the usual suspects for Cincinnati, as Emmanuel Appiah (Westerville, Ohio/Westerville Central), Alejandro Garcia (Coral Springs, Fla./Darton State) and John Manga (Lexington, Ky./Henry Clay) scored goals for UC. Manga, the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year in the American, scored his first goal of the season after missing several matches due to injury. Adam Wilson (Auchterarder, Scotland/Dollar Academy) assisted on the Garica goal, while Terence Carter (London, England/Northeastern) assisted on Manga's score.
Additionally, Pedro Diaz (Mason, Ohio/Mason) made four saves to record a clean sheet and collect his second-consecutive victory in goal. The redshirt sophomore is 2-1 in net this season.
// GOAL SCORING SUMMARY
20' - CIN Emmanuel Appiah
Appiah took advantage of a Golden Grizzly turnover, winning the ball about 25 yards out, before dribbling through the box and beating the keeper from five yards out to score the goal.
49' - CIN Alejandro Garcia (Adam Wilson)
Garcia and Wilson, two of the leading point-scorers in the American, connected early in the second half to extend UC's lead. Wilson played a through ball to Garcia for a breakaway, who made it 2-0 from about 10 yards out.
88' - CIN John Manga (Terence Carter)
Manga, playing in just his fourth match of the season, found the back of the net for the first time on a similar play to Garcia's goal. Carter played a through ball to Manga, allowing for a breakaway and goal from 13 yards away.
// GAME NOTES
- Diaz recorded his first career clean sheet.
- Manga netted his first goal of the season after scoring 10 last year.
- Garcia's seventh goal of the season ties him for second-most in a single season over the past decade at UC. Manga (2014) and Kenny Anaba (2007) lead that category with 10 goals, while Cole DeNormandie and Matt Bahner each have a seven-goal season.
// UP NEXT
The Bearcats return home and to American play on Saturday, Oct. 3, when defending league champion Tulsa visits. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and admission is complimentary.
The match will be part of UC's Signature Saturday series, with players available for autographs following the match. In addition, Corry Street Catering will offer happy hour pricing on selected items prior to the match.