Storrs
, CT - The Hartford men's soccer dropped a 3-1 decision to in-state rival Connecticut, who entered the game as the second ranked team in the nation according to the Soccer Times and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America polls. The Hawks fall to 5-2-2 overall, while the Huskies improve to 10-1 overall.
“I am extremely proud of my players,” said head coach Dan Gaspar. “The team demonstrated a brave heart and a mind set that created a will to win. The Hawks had hungry eyes tonight. We deserved better than the 3-1 result. I would also like to recognize our administration, student body and fans for their great support and I am sure we did them proud. Finally, I would like to thank Ray Reid and UConn for the opportunity to play against a very good team."
The Huskies first goal came by way of a penalty kick in the 31st minute. Connecticut struck just 24 seconds later when Roberto Sgueglia scored on a break away, sending a shot in from six yards out. Sgueglia connected with O'Brian White and Chukwudi Chijindu for the goal.
The Huskies had another clear look at the net when White broke free from the Hawks defense to take which went wide left. Hartford then put its first mark on the board in the 37th minute when Andreas Blamo scored his fourth goal of the, connecting with Gary Muir. Muir sent a pass forward just right of the goal where Blamo took a shot, which deflected off of Huskies keeper Josh Ford into the net.
Blamo's goal came on just the first shot of the game for Hartford, who finished the first 45 minutes with two shots. The Huskies finished the first half with eight shots, forcing Hartford keeper Matt Glaeser to make two saves.
The Huskies extended their lead in the 68th minute when Oscar Castillo connected with White for his first goal. White pushed a pass through the Hawks defense at the edge of the box right of the goal where Castillo worked through the Hawks defense to score on the left side of the goal. Connecticut had an attempt cut short 11 minutes into the second half when Glaeser stopped a shot from Akeem Priestly.
Connecticut had a pair of chances with 10 minutes to play with Glaeser recording a save on the first off his boot and the second launched high over the net. White took the first shot with Dori Arad taking the second. For the game, the Huskies took 19 shots with Glaeser recording six saves. Hartford finished the game with three shots with Ford not recording a save.
The Hawks return home to take on Massachusetts in the final tune-up before conference play begins next week. The Hawks and Minutemen will square off on Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. at Al-Marzook Field.
