Mbacke Thiam Game-Winning Goal Gives No. 12/20 UConn a 2-1 Victory over Sacred Heart

Tuesday, October 9

Storrs, Conn.

7:00 P.M.

University of Connecticut

7-2-1

Sacred Heart University

2-9-1

SHUM

UConn

Photo by: Stephen Slade

Mbacke Thiam Game-Winning Goal Gives No. 12/20 UConn a 2-1 Victory over Sacred Heart

10/9/2018 11:34:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

STORRS, Conn. – Behind strong second-half play, the UConn men's soccer team was able to outlast the Sacred Heart Pioneers, 2-1, Tuesday night at Morrone Stadium. The Huskies (7-2-1) put a stranglehold on the SHU offense and tallied two late second-half goals of their own to capture the win.

Tonight's game was truly a tale of two halves. The contest remained a scoreless affair for much of the first period, despite each team possessing multiple scoring opportunities. Sacred Heart nearly jumped out in front in the 11^th minute, but an impressive save from Austin Aviza kept the Pioneers off the scoreboard.

The tide started to turn a bit when Blaise N'Gauge checked into the game, a substitution that seemed to energize the Huskies. Over the course of the next 15 minutes, UConn ramped up their attack and began breaking down the Sacred Heart defense, firing up six shots – including two great opportunities to put the home team ahead.

The first scoring chance came in the 18^th minute, when Abdou Mbacke Thiam fired up a shot that missed just wide of the net. The best scoring opportunity for UConn in the first half, however, came at the end of their 15-minute run. A dribbling Blaise N'Gauge sent a cross over to a streaking Dayonn Harris, who nearly headed the pill home, but the attempt was saved at the last minute by the Sacred Heart keeper.

Despite holding a 6-3 shot advantage, a Segundo Navarro goal in the 40^th minute had the Huskies behind, 1-0, heading into the halftime break.

In the second session, the Huskies took complete control of the match, as the UConn offensive unit ramped up its attack, while the backline showed its pack mentality, as they swarmed and closed off the Sacred Heart group each time they threated to move the ball into UConn territory, limiting the Pioneers to just two shot attempts.

Abdou Mbacke Thiam nearly tied the game up in the 56^th minute – after gathering the ball inside the box, Mbacke Thiam ripped a shot that was denied for the second time. That would be the last time he was denied Sacred Heart keeper.

Dayonn Harris, who had carried his aggressive play over into the second half, was finally able to find the equalizer for the Huskies in the 65^th minute. Engaging in a quick give-and-go, Harris zipped a pass to Mbacke Thiam, who whipped the pass right back to Harris who powered in the tying goal. "We just started to get the ball out wide,' said head coach Ray Reid. "Dayonn started crucifying that kid out on the flank…he started having his way with him, but the goal came from us being able to get the ball out on the flank."

Despite missing five late second half shots to give them the lead, the Huskies finally got the golden goal they needed from none other than senior captain, Abdou Mbacke Thiam in the 88^th minute. Mbacke Thiam's game winner was set up by teammate Felix Metzler, who found a streaking Mbacke Thiam for his eight goal of the season. "You know, this guy (Mbacke Thiam) wants the ball. When the game is on the line or when we're having problems, he wants the ball in his hands."

Game Notes:

The Huskies held a 19-5 shot advantage over Sacred Heart.
UConn's record at Morrone Stadium improves to 6-0-1.

Next Up:

UConn travels to Orlando, Fla for a premiere conference matchup between two top-20 teams. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 12. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU.