AKRON, Ohio - The No. 1 University of Akron men's soccer team scored early and often in a 4-0 shutout victory over Saint Louis Sunday afternoon to win the University of Akron Tournament at Lee Jackson Field.

The Zips (6-0-0) remained perfect on the season after a dominant display that saw UA post advantages over SLU in shots (21-3), shots on goal (12-1) and corner kicks (9-3). With the loss, the Billikens (3-3-0), who received votes for the NSCAA Top 25 this week, fell to 3-3-0 on the year following their 1-0 victory over Florida Atlantic Friday night.

In many ways, UA's energized play was a continuation of Friday night's second half against No. 8 Indiana. The Zips were relentless with their attack and suffocating on defense. Unlike in Friday night's 1-0 victory over the Hoosiers however, UA poured it on offensively in its most decisive victory of the year.

"I was a little concerned heading into today because there often is a natural letdown following an emotional victory like the one we had against Indiana Friday night," said UA head coach Caleb Porter. "But I felt we came out from the start and dictated the possession throughout the game. In that aspect, I was very pleased with the way we handled ourselves."

In what was truly a team effort, the Zips received goals from three different players – including a pair by sophomore Teal Bunbury, and shots from 10 while recording its fifth shutout in six games on the year.

Sophomores Kofi Sarkodie, who finished with two assists on the day, and Darlington Nagbe connected on a highlight-reel worthy goal in the 16th minute. Sarkodie initiated the action with a perfectly-lofted ball from beyond midfield that caught Nagbe in stride down the right sideline. Nagbe then beat his defender and squeezed the ball through a space between SLU keeper Mark Pais and the post to give the Zips a 1-0 lead.

"That first goal was key because Saint Louis is at their best when the game is tied or when they have a lead," Porter said. "For us, scoring early really opened the game up."

The score remained unchanged – thanks to six saves by Pais – at halftime despite a 14-1 shots advantage by the Zips. But the shots started falling as UA continued its pressure after the break.

"If we are on the ball enough, we are going to find the seams," Porter said. "That's what happened today and we were able to put the game out of reach."

Bunbury found the net in the 54th minute thanks to a nice feed from Sarkodie and added another goal in the 71st minute by corralling a loose ball following a save by Pais and firing true.

Later, freshman Yoram Mwila took a cross from Michael Nanchoff and turned it into his third goal of the season in the 77th minute to close out the scoring.

Following the game, Sarkodie, Nagbe, Bunbury and Ben Zemanski were each named to the All-Tournament Team. Nanchoff, who recorded the game-winner against Indiana Friday night, was named the tournament's Offensive MVP while Zarek Valentin received Defensive MVP honors.

In a vote by the weekend's officials, Blair Gavin was announced the winner of the tournament's Sportsmanship Award.

Indiana, which defeated Florida International 2-1 in double overtime in the first game Sunday, took second place at the UA Tournament, followed by Saint Louis and FIU. The Zips will next have a week to prepare for their next opponent as they open Mid-American Conference play Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. when Bowling Green comes to Lee Jackson Field.

Zips Notebook: Akron is 43-2-4 at Lee Jackson Field since 2005 and improved to 34-0-0 when it leads at halftime under Porter ... The Zips have received at least one goal from seven different players in 2009 ... Mwila and Bunbury share the team lead with three goals apiece ... True freshman goalkeeper David Meves has allowed just one goal in 540 mintues between the pipes.

University of Akron Tournament Finish
1. Akron (2-0)
2. Indiana (1-1)*
3. Saint Louis (1-1)*
4. Florida International (0-2)

*Indiana won its tie-breaker with Saint Louis due to goal differential.

University of Akron All-Tournament Team
Kofi Sarkodie, UA
Darlington Nagbe, UA
Ben Zemanski, UA
Teal Bunbury, UA
Will Bruin, IU
Matt Wiet, IU
Ofori Sarkodie, IU
Mike Roach, SLU
Josh Aranda, SLU
Anthony Hobbs, FIU
Shane Lopez, FIU

UA Tournament Specialty Awards:
Offensive MVP – Michael Nanchoff, UA
Defensive MVP – Zarek Valentin, UA
Sportsmanship Award – Blair Gavin, UA