Huskies Fall to Butler in Big East Semis

Friday, April 16

Providence, R.I.

5:00 p.m.

University of Connecticut

8-3-1, 6-2-1

Butler

10-1-0, 6-1-0

UConn

Butler

4/16/2021 7:12:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The UConn women's soccer team (8-3-1, 6-2-1 BE) fell to the Butler Bulldogs (10-1, 6-1 BE) on Friday evening at Chapey Field in Providence, Rhode Island in the Big East semifinal match.

How it Happened

The Huskies and Bulldogs played an exciting first half with plenty of chances on both ends. Butler held 6-5 advantage in shots and a 4-0 shots on goal advantage in the opening frame. Both teams exchanged chances on the offensive end but could not break the deadlock. The Huskies held firm defensively throughout the half, with the biggest play coming in the 33^rd minute when junior Kara Long's goal line clearance kept the score at 0-0. UConn's best opportunity came in the 35^th minute as sophomore Emma Zaccagnini's free kick went just over the crossbar. Redshirt senior goalkeeper made two first half saves, including a diving right hand save in the 39^th minute. The Bulldogs went up 1-0 in the 40^th minute to take the lead into the break.

Butler doubled their lead in the 76^th minute before senior Melina Couzis' scored her first of the season on a long-range effort in the 79^th minute to bring the Huskies back within one. UConn would continue to push forward and test the Butler defense but were not able to find an equalizing goal. Shots were even at 12-12 with the Bulldogs holding a 5-2 advantage in shots on goal.

Freshman Jada Konte led the Huskies with four shots on the evening, while sophomore Jessica Mazo tallied three shots. Five other players registered a shot for UConn. Palacios finished the game with two saves.