West Hartford, CT ? The University of Hartford men's soccer team closed out the 2006 season with a two and one-half hour overtime thriller on Tuesday night. The Hawks and Holy Cross Crusaders both scored in the early minutes and neither could connect late for the eventual 1-1 tie. Hartford closes out the 2006 season with a 4-8-5 overall record and 2-6 in America East play. Prior to the game the Hawks honored their three senior members Kenniel Martin, Mark Cleverdon and Andrew Peterson.
The Hawks put the first dash on the board with a goal in the seventh minute. Gary Muir scored his third goal of the season off assists from Martin and Vernon Perinchief. Perinchief pushed the ball up to Martin who tapped it into the middle where Muir was open for the tip in to the lower right corner of the net. The Hawks had an earlier goal called back after being caught off sides.
The Crusaders put the matching dash on the board nine minutes later when Josh Trott connected with Felipe Castrillon for the score. Castrillon crossed the ball to Trott who created the opening and sent the ball to the opposite corner. Holy Cross had a great opportunity thwarted just minutes after the Hawks goal when a shot from Sefton Kincaid was saved by a bicycle kick from Patrick Roy.
“Both teams demonstrated character tonight,” said head coach Dan Gaspar. “I respect Holy Cross' efforts as well as the Hawks despite both teams having a disappointing season. Both coaches can be proud of their teams tonight.”
Holy Cross had a chance with 19:06 to play in the second half when a shot from Trott was protected with a diving save from Hawks keeper Scott Partridge. Following the regulation periods the Hawks held a 9-4 advantage in shots with Partridge recording three saves. Thomas Booth finished regulation with four saves, all in the second half.
The Hawks controlled in the overtime, finishing with five total shots, only one on goal. Hartford finished the game with a 14-4 advantage in shots. Booth had five total saves in the game and Partridge finished with three.
“In the overtime periods we had the opportunity to win,” continued Gaspar. “In many ways tonight's game mirrored our season, we had an abundance of opportunities but it's like the other team parked their bus in front of the goal. Although we didn't qualify for the America East Championship, you have to respect the development process. It takes time and we will continue to build upon each season with the next.”
