Amherst, MA ? The University of Hartford men's soccer team snapped its three-game winning streak with a 1-0 double overtime loss to the University of Rhode Island in the second round of the UMass Classic on Sunday afternoon. The loss drops the Hawks to 4-3-2 on the season, while the Rams improve to 4-3-1 overall. Hartford leaves the UMass Classic with one win and one loss.
Hartford and Rhode Island played 90 minutes of scoreless soccer in regulation with both teams finishing virtually equal in shots during the two periods. Hartford finished the first half with only two shots, compared to five for Vermont. The game began to open up for Hartford at the offensive side of the pitch as the Hawks outshot the Rams 10-8 in the second half.
During the first overtime period, Hartford's only attempt of scoring came from freshman Jorge Rodriguez in the 93rd minute of play. The shot was wide to the right. After just 58 seconds into the second overtime period, senior Kedan Crosby sent a cross from the right flank to the front of the goal where Uri Puranen headed the ball past Hartford's Luke Citriniti for the 1-0 Rhode Island victory.
Chris Pennock earned the shutout in net for Rhode Island with three saves. Citriniti made his first collegiate start in goal for Hartford, making three stops in 100 minutes of action.
“We played brilliantly in the second half. Sometimes the end result can be unjust,” commented Hartford head coach Dan Gaspar. “I am proud of the way our team played today, and we continue to move the program in the right direction. I believe we are prepared to start conference play and look forward to this Saturday versus New Hampshire.”
Hartford finished the UMass Classic with one win and one loss, tying Vermont for second place . Carlos Villa, Sam Groves and freshman Patrick Boucher were named to the All-Tournament team for the Hawks.
The Hawks return home on Saturday, October 4 to open America East conference play with their next match against New Hampshire. Hartford will look to maintain its perfect home record at Al-Marzook Field.
