University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
0-0-0, 0-0-0
Providence College
0-0-0, 0-0-0
WSOC Opener Ends in 2-1 Defeat
8/22/2019 10:53:00 PM | Women's Soccer
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Despite a 2-1 defeat to open the regular season at Providence, the UConn women's soccer team put forth a strong performance on Thursday night at Chapey Field.
The Huskies (0-1) outplayed the Friars for large stretches of the 90 minutes, however, some bad luck on a handball and a great save by the Providence keeper helped swing the score line in favor of the home side.
The Huskies started the match with aggression and were able to generate a 6-3 shot advantage deep into the first half. Jessica Mazo, one of three freshmen (Emma Zaccagnini & Jackie Harnett) to start, provided the first scoring chance of the match I the sixth minute that curled wide of goal.
Providence broke through in the 38th minute on a goal from All-Conference performer Hannah McNulty. The Friars added to its lead late in the half, on a suspect handball call in the UConn box. The Friars received a penalty kick even though Kara Long looked to be outside the 18. Provided the opportunity, Providence converted to make it 2-0 at the half.
The Huskies did not hang their heads though and came out with the same aggression in the second half. UConn held a 21-12 shot advantage, including an 11-5 disparity in the second half.
Kess Elmore supplied the fireworks in the 60th minute with her first goal since September of 2017. The redshirt sophomore missed the entire 2018 season with an ACL injury. Elmore was able to find space in the middle of the field and maneuver her way to the far side of the box to unleash a shot past the keeper.
Down a goal, the Huskies kept the pressure up and nearly found an equalizer on the foot of Duda Santin. The Huskies leading scorer in the preseason received a perfect pass from Melina Couzis inside the box but the Providence keeper was able to make a spectacular reaction save to keep it a 2-1 Friars advantage.
Couzis had her own opportunity to knot the game up with a lofted shot that banged off the crossbar in the 68th minute.
Notes
- Five freshmen played in their first collegiate match on Thursday; Jessica Mazo, Emma Zaccagnini and Jackie Harnett all started while Cara Jordan and Claire Middlebrook came off the bench.
- Along with Kess Elmore, Vivien Beil made her return to the lineup after missing the 2018 campaign. The redshirt senior logged 87 minutes in her return.
- Kess Elmore's goal was her first since scoring a pair of goals at Fordham on September 10, 2017
Team Stats
McNulty, Hannah (1)
Assisted By: Cummings, Kelsie
GOAL by rov McNulty, Hannah (FIRST GOAL), Assist by Cummings, Kelsie, goal number 1 for season.
37:44
Rodgers, Christina (1)
rov Rodgers, Christina PENALTY KICK GOAL.
42:26
Elmore, Kess (1)
GOAL by Conn Elmore, Kess, goal number 1 for season.
59:03
