University of Hartford

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The Hartford men's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to Springfield College on Tuesday, October 6th in noncoference play.

• The Hawks came out of the gates strong, as junior Jared Noble (Nesconset, N.Y.) recorded Hartford's first two shots within the opening seven minutes. Springfield answered in the 14th minute when Connor Policarpio put a shot on frame, but senior Cristian Vitti (Stamford, Conn.) was there to make the save. Hartford quickly responded on the other end, with freshman Rory Ohalloran (Stamford, Conn.) forcing Springfield goalkeeper Tommy Fenton into a save two minutes later to keep the match scoreless. From there, the two sides traded chances throughout the opening half. Sampson Cole and Cooper Harmon each sent attempts wide for the Pride, while Vitti came up with another save on Cooper Kassan in the 34th minute. Noble continued to pace the Hartford attack, finishing the half with four shots. The Hawks created one more opportunity before the break when freshman Brenden Landry (Old Lyme, Conn.) put a shot on target in the 44th minute, but Fenton made the save as the teams headed into halftime still deadlocked at 0-0.
• Hartford carried that pressure into the second half, with freshman Cole Jones (Plainville, Conn.) getting an early look that sailed just over the net. Ohalloran followed with another chance in the 51st minute, and Jones tested Fenton again moments later, forcing the Springfield goalkeeper to make another save. The Pride finally broke through in the 58th minute, however, when Aidan Hallinan finished a pass from Policarpio to put Springfield ahead, 1-0. The Hawks responded by pushing forward in search of an equalizer, and freshman Jonathan Gutierrez (Clinton, Conn.) nearly provided the answer in the 65th minute, only to see his shot saved by Fenton. Landry then sent an attempt over the crossbar four minutes later as Hartford continued to press. Springfield began to find opportunities of its own late in the match, but Vitti kept the Hawks within striking distance, making saves on Harmon in the 75th minute and Gianni Pazvakavambwa in the 86th minute. Hartford continued to fight for an equalizer, but Springfield held on to secure the 1-0 victory.

• Noble led the Hawks with four shots, while Jones added three and Ohalloran finished with two.
• Vitti made four saves while allowing one goal in 90 minutes of action.
• Fenton made five saves to earn the shutout for Springfield.
• Springfield held a 16-13 advantage in total shots, while both teams recorded five shots on target.

Up Next
The Hawks return to action for conference play on Saturday, October 10th to face Roger Williams University at Al-Marzook Field.

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