BOX SCORE
West Hartford, CT – The University of Hartford men's soccer team used two unanswered goals to score a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over the sixth-seeded Boston University Terriers in America East quarterfinal play at Al-Marzook Field on Saturday. The Hawks, the No. 3 seed in the tournament, advance to the conference semifinals for the first time since the 2003 season to face No. 2 Stony Brook on Wednesday, November 11.
The Terriers end their season with an overall record of 9-7-2, while the Hawks improve to 8-7-2 overall.
Facing a 1-0 deficit with 24 minutes remaining in the America East tournament, James Stamopoulos and Cedomir Tomcic each found the back of the net for the first time this season to boost Hartford over Boston University by a 2-1 final.
“It was a great comeback against a quality team,” commented Head Coach Dan Gaspar. “It was a slow start, but a great finish. We're excited about being in the semifinals. The eight seniors get another game to play. It was a victory well deserved and earned, in particular the second half.”
Following 29 minutes of scoreless soccer, Boston University forward Stephen Knox put the Terriers on the board. Aaron O'Neal got the Terriers' attack going as he fired a shot at Hartford keeper Nenad Cudic. Cudic made the save, but was unable to control the ball which was tracked down by Knox and sent high to the right corner of the net.
Stamopoulos, a freshman midfielder, put the equalizer on the board for the Hawks at 66:16 when he connected with sophomore Patrick Boucher. Boucher chipped a pass from the right corner just over the Boston University back line, allowing Stamopoulos to head the ball home into the right side of the net for the first score of his career.
Tomcic's first goal of 2009 could not come at a more opportune time as he hooked up with classmate Carlos Villa to net the game winner in the 76th minute. From just outside the box, Villa found Tomcic streaking down the field, and set him up with a perfect pass through the Terriers' defense. Tomcic unloaded a shot from 15 yards out straight on the goal, past Boston University keeper Hrafn Davidsson.
The Hawks finished the game with a 12-9 advantage in shots, however Boston University held a 5-1 edge in corner kicks. In goal, Cudic stopped two of three Terrier shots on goal while Davidsson made four saves while allowing two goals.
“The Hawks showed a lot of character and grit,” continued Gaspar. “I'm so happy for the team. They deserve to be rewarded through all of their efforts. The University of Hartford students were awesome and we hope they follow us to Stony Brook.”
The Hartford Hawks and Stony Brook Seawolves are scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. kick-off in Stony Brook, NY.
