THE BASICS:

RESULT: Yale 2, Hartford 1
RECORD: Hartford (5-2-0); Yale (4-2-2)
LOCATION: Reese Stadium (New Haven, Conn.)
 
THE LEAD:
 
A late goal with four minutes remaining pushed Yale past the University of Hartford women's soccer team, 2-1, on Thursday night at Reese Stadium. The Hawks grabbed a 1-0 advantage in the 32nd minute on a goal by freshman defender Skylar Vitiello, only to see their lead get spoiled by a Yale score 63 seconds later. The two sides played an even second half, but Sarah McCauley propelled the Bulldogs to the win on a set piece in the 87th minute.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Vitiello connected with classmate Sierra Stone to give Hartford the advantage. From 40 yards out, the defender blasted a shot that deflected off both Yale's goalkeeper and the crossbar, putting the Hawks ahead, 1-0, in the 32nd minute.
• The Hawks' lead was short-lived, though. In the following minute, Mccauley played a long ball forward to Aerial Chavarin, who beat Hartford keeper Jessica Jurg on the breakaway and knotted up the score at one goal apiece.
• In the second half, Hartford generated a few chances, but couldn't connect on the offensive end. Senior forward Aaliyah Ingram put up back-to-back shots on goal in the 69th minute, but Jane Buckley came up with key saves off the bench for the Bulldogs.
• The go-ahead goal was netted late in the match, as a corner kick allowed Kristi Wharton to serve a ball into the box. Mccauley headed home what proved to be the game-winner with four minutes left to play.
• Time was running out for the Hawks to put together a late game rally. Hartford was awarded a corner kick with just over two minutes left in regulation, but was unable to muster up a shot in what proved to be its only chance at the equalizer.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Yale, which held a 14-10 advantage in shots, put 10 shots on goal to Hartford's six.
• The Hawks outshot the Bulldogs, 9-7, in the second half but were unable to come up with the go-ahead tally.
• Both sides finished with even in corner kicks with three apiece.
• Jurg's eight saves were both a game- and season-high for the senior goalkeeper.
• Buckley kept the Hawks' attack at bay in the second half, making four saves off the bench to earn the win. She replaced starter Alyssa Fagel, who chalked up one first-half save.

 
NEWS & NOTES:

• Despite the loss, Hartford is 16-7-1 all-time against the Bulldogs. Yale has had the Hawks' number as of late, though, as Hartford is winless in the last seven meetings (0-6-1).
• Vitiello's goal was the second of her career. She is one of four rookies with a goal this season as the freshmen have combined to score six times this season.

 
NEXT ON TAP:
One final non-conference match stands between the Hawks and the start of America East action. Hartford's last out-of-league test of the regular-season lands the Hawks in Smithfield, R.I., on Sunday, Sept. 18, for a 1 p.m. tilt against Bryant.