WEST HARTFORD, CT ? The University of Hartford women's soccer team suffered a 3-2 defeat in overtime to Central Connecticut State University on Sunday afternoon at Al-Marzook Field.
The Hawks tied the game at 2-2 late in regulation, only to see CCSU's Brittany Emin net the game winner just 2:58 into the extra frame. Emin had two goals and an assist on the day. Hartford dropped to 2-5-2 overall while CCSU improved to 3-5-1.
Hartford looked to be in control for the first 80 minutes of the contest. The Hawks took a 1-0 lead in the first half on a goal by junior Kacey Busque. Classmate Ashley Carreira fed a pass up the right sideline that Busque tracked down in stride and deposited into the net in the 21st minute. It was her second goal of the season.
Central Connecticut had a point-blank chance to tie the game early in the second half, but freshman keeper Alexandra Baker was able to make the save and keep Hartford in front. The Blue Devils kept the pressure on and finally netted the equalizer in the 84th minute. CCSU earned four straight corner kicks and made the last one count, as Emin served the ball into the box and Karise Hilt snuck it inside the near post.
The Blue Devils scored the go-ahead goal just 41 seconds later, as Emin took a pass down the left sideline from Ciara Crinion and blasted a shot on goal. The ball grazed Baker's fingertips and ducked under the crossbar as CCSU took a 2-1 advantage.
The Hawks kept fighting and eventually tied the game after a player was brought down in the box. The resulting penalty kick was taken by junior Chiara Caen, and she coolly buried the freebie into the left corner for her first tally of the season.
The game nearly ended in regulation, as CCSU scored with just 13 seconds remaining on the clock. However, the linesman on the far side had his flag in the air, and the goal was disallowed due to the offsides call.
The game-winning goal was the result of a ball that was misplayed by the Hartford defense. Emin picked it up and fired a shot from 12 yards out that found the top-right corner of the goal.
Baker finished with five saves while CCSU's Emily Herd made two. The Blue Devils outshot the Hawks 14-6 for the game.
Hartford will next host Stony Brook University on Thursday, October 4 at Al-Marzook Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
