New Britain, CT - The University of Hartford men's soccer team opened the 2007 season with a 2-0 shutout of the Central Connecticut Blue Devils on Saturday afternoon. The Hawks first goal came on an own goal, with Gary Muir scoring the second goal. The game was the season opener for both teams.
"It was a typical, early season, college soccer game,” said head coach Dan Gaspar. “The pace was quick, with neither team settling on the ball, but our ability to counterattack was phenomenal. Although the first goal was an own goal, the buildup was swift and devastating. We showed a great willingness to go forward. All that was lacking was the final touch to put them away. Daniel (Antunez) did well to get into several good scoring positions; and Andreas (Blamo) came on as a sub in the second half and immediately made a difference. He set up the second goal through his brilliant individual play. Matt (Glaeser) was a huge presence in goal, and he made two world class saves.
CCSU provided an exciting atmosphere for the game."
The Hawks first goal of the game came on a failed clear by the Blue Devils Scott Melville. The Hawks initial shot came from senior Daniel Antunez and was saved by the Central Connecticut keeper, Paul Armstrong. The clear attempt from Melville found its way into the back of the net, giving the Hawks the advantage.
Hartford kept the advantage going into the locker room, having out shot the Blue Devils 9-3 in the first 45 minutes. In that first period, the Hawks Matt Glaeser made one save with Armstrong recording three for the home team.
The Hawks put an insurance goal on the board in the 81st minute when Muir took a cross from Andreas Blamo and scored on the left corner of the net form 10-yards out. Hartford again out shot the Blue Devils in the second half, this time by a 7-3 margin. Glaeser added two more saves, three total for the game, while Armstrong finished the game with five saves.
Hartford will next be in action on Tuesday when they travel to Poughkeepsie, NY to meet the Marist Red Foxes at 7:00 p.m.
