ST. LOUIS - The fourth-ranked Akron Zips topped Saint Louis 4-0 Saturday night in men's soccer action before 4,637 fans at Robert R. Hermann Stadium. The game was tight for the majority of the match before Akron tallied twice in the final 10 minutes.

The loss dips the Billikens to 1-3-0 overall, while Akron improves to 3-0-1. Next up for SLU is a tournament at the University of South Florida. SLU faces No. 11 South Florida Friday, Sept. 16, and Florida Gulf Coast Sunday, Sept. 18.

"Anytime you play a quality team like Akron, you have to play well for 90 minutes," SLU head coach Mike McGinty said. "I thought we started off well, but we were unable to capitalize early and found ourselves in an uphill battle. The difference is that they were clinical, mature and did a good job in front of goal. "

Akron, the defending NCAA champions, got on the board in the 21st minute when Matt Dagilis headed home a corner kick from Aodhan Quinn for the game's first tally.

Akron and the Billikens traded possessions and chances as the half carried on. SLU's best scoring opportunity came with 10 minutes left in the frame when Kingsley Bryce pushed a shot just wide of the far post, and just out of the reach of a diving Mike Roach.

The Zips made it 2-0 with a tally in the second half. Thomas Schmitt slotted a pass from the top of the box to Darren Mattocks, who put on past SLU keeper Mark Pais in the 59th minute to make it a 2-0 game.

Akron scored twice in the 85th minute. Scott Caldwell tucked a ball into the upper right netting to make it 3-0, and Akeil Barrett added another tally for the 4-0 final.