BOX SCORE
West Hartford, CT - The University of Hartford Men's Soccer team opened its America East schedule on Saturday night when it hosted the University at Albany at Al-Marzook field, dropping a 1-0 decision to the Great Danes. The Hawks fall to 2-3-4 overall on the season 2-3-4 (0-1-0 America East) while the Great Danes improve to 3-4-2 (1-0-0 America East).
The lone goal of the game was scored by the Great Danes' Tan Gbolo at 40:24. The original shot came from Tufi Long which was then deflected by Gbolo to the left side of the net, with Long credited with the assist.
Hartford had two of its best attempts of the game sandwiched around the Albany goal. In the 38th minute Gary Muir took a 30-yard blast at the goal but Great Danes keeper Steward Ceus came up with an impressive diving save. With just under three minutes left before the halftime break the Hawks Jiwon Shu had a shot on an open net but the Great Danes defense came up with an impressive save, with Mikael McNamara putting a boot on the ball, pushing it outside the box, allowing Ceus to reset.
The Hawks had a total of 16 shots, compared to only eight for the Great Danes. Seven of the Hawks shots needed to be saved with Ceus recording six total saves in the game, and one credited to the team. Hawks keeper Matt Glaeser finished the game with two saves.
Hartford's Mark Cleverdon had the best attempt of the second half when he headed the ball from abut three yards off the goal line, with his attempt going just outside of the goal to the left side.
“We controlled the tempo of the game and had many offensive opportunities in this extremely physical 90 minute battle,” stated Head Coach Dan Gaspar. “We have a very young team, starting five freshman, and our boys put forth one of their best efforts of the season, but in the end we were just unlucky.”
The Hawks will look to rebound from this loss when they face America East foe Maine on Wednesday night at Al-Marzook field. Game-time is 6:00 p.m.
