University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
11-3-4, 6-2-1
Akron
11-4-3, 5-3-1
Second Half Surge Lifts Huskies Over Akron in BIG EAST Semifinal
11/13/2025 11:45:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Coach Gbandi Postgame Interview
BOYDS, Md. – The No. 3 seed UConn men's soccer team defeated the No. 2 seed Akron Zips, 2-1 in the BIG EAST Semifinal on Thursday night at the Maryland SoccerPlex. The Huskies once again came from behind, scoring two unanswered goals in the final 31 minutes to punch their ticket to the BIG EAST Championship on Sunday.
Despite conceding one goal in the match, redshirt-sophomore goalkeeper Kyle Durham stood strong in between the sticks, making four saves in the win.
The match began with the Zips applying pressure early. UConn's defense, led by Durham, remained steadfast, saving multiple attempts. Senior forward Austin Brummett challenged Akron's defense with UConn's lone shot on goal in the first half. Despite various fouls and a corner kick opportunity for both sides, the first half ended scoreless.
Akron opened the scoring early in the second half in the 49th minute, putting the Huskies down 1-0.
UConn showed impressive resilience, drawing level in the 60th minute with an equalizer off the right foot of Brummett, aided by great passes from Ayoub Lajhar and Preston Alessio. The Huskies seized the lead in the 71st minute with what proved to be the game-winning goal from Alessio, set up beautifully by Balthazar Saunders and Max Gummesson.
Akron pushed hard for an equalizer with several attempts, but UConn's defense, anchored by Durham, held firm. Akron's comeback hopes took a major blow in the 88th minute when they were shown a straight red card for denying UConn's Lajhar of a goal scoring opportunity, putting the Zips down to ten men.
Coming off the bench to start the second half, Alessio and Saunders made major impacts on the match. Alessio assisted the equalizer and scored his first career game-winning goal. Saunders assisted the game-winner and took four shots, with one on goal.
Up Next
UConn will square off against the No. 1 seed Georgetown Hoyas for the BIG EAST Championship on Sunday, November 16 at the Maryland SoccerPlex. Kickoff is set for 12:00pm and will be streamed on ESPN+. TICKETS
Team Stats
Thomas O'Rourke (2)
Assisted By: Stefan Dobrijevic , Jack Roman
GOAL by AKR O'Rourke, Thomas Assist by Dobrijevic, Stefan and Roman, Jack.
48:16
Austin Brummett (8)
Assisted By: Ayoub Lajhar , Preston Alessio
GOAL by UC Brummett, Austin Assist by Lajhar, Ayoub and Alessio, Preston.
59:02
Preston Alessio (2)
Assisted By: Max Gummesson , Balthazar Saunders
GOAL by UC Alessio, Preston Assist by Gummesson, Max and Saunders, Balthazar.
70:40
