BOX SCORE
West Hartford, CT – The University of Hartford men's soccer team scored a 3-0 shutout victory of the UMBC Retrievers on Senior Night at Al-Marzook Field Wednesday evening. UMBC drops to12-4-0 (3-2-0 AE) with the loss.
The Hawks improve to 7-6-2 overall, with a 4-1-1 mark in the America East. With one game remaining on the conference regular-season schedule the Hawks can finish as high as the number two seed with a win or tie at Stony Brook, earning a first-round bye in the America East Tournament, or can host a first round game as the third seed.
The Hawks dominated the first half on both sides of the pitch, taking nine shots while holding the Retrievers to just one. Boucher put the first notch on the scoreboard in the 15th minute as he eluded the UMBC defense on a cross attempt. The sophomore booted a long ball from deep in the right corner that drifted towards the goal, hitting the left post and dropping into the net. The score, which proved to be the game-deciding goal, was Boucher's third of the season.
Perinchief netted his career-best third goal at 39:26 as he unloaded a shot straight on the goal from 18 yards out on the left side. His shot snuck towards the right corner of the net, out of reach of UMBC keeper Phil Saunders.
The Hawks continued to hold strong out of the halftime break, outshooting the Retrievers by a margin of 6-2. Guarin netted the final goal of the game in the 72nd minute. The senior midfielder fired a quick shot on a free-kick from straight-on for his fourth goal this season.
“We were able tonight to shutout the most dangerous team in the conference,” commented Hartford Head Coach Dan Gaspar. “I am very proud of the Hawks' performance this evening.”
Hartford held a 15-3 advantage over UMBC in the shots column, forcing Saunders to make six saves in goal for the Retrievers. Hartford keeper Nenad Cudic did not face any UMBC shots on goal in his fourth shutout of 2009.
“Tonight's energy level was spectacular,” continued Gaspar. “Our team dedicated this victory to the eight seniors. It was a tribute to their dedication, sacrifice and commitment to turn this program around. I, my staff, and the University of Hartford are grateful for their servitude to both the men's soccer program and the University.”
Hartford plays its final contest of the 2009 campaign on the road at Stony Brook on Saturday, October 31. The Hawks and Seawolves are scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff.
