University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
9-3-4, 4-2-1
Butler
5-10-1, 2-4-1
UConn Blanks Butler For Third Consecutive Shutout
11/2/2025 1:03:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Head Coach Chris Gbandi Postgame Interview
STORRS, Conn. – The UConn men's soccer team defeated the Butler Bulldogs, 2-0 behind two second-half goals on Saturday evening at Joseph J. Morrone Stadium. The win earns the Huskies three pivotal points in the BIG EAST standings, moving UConn to 4-2-1 in conference play and 9-3-4 overall this season.
Redshirt-sophomore goalkeeper Kyle Durham recorded his third straight clean sheet, giving him eight this season. Durham made two saves in the match.
The match opened with both teams unable to find the back of the net through the first half. UConn's Evan Pickering and Sabri Hanni each took shots, with Hanni's attempt at the 24th minute saved by Butler's goalkeeper. UConn maintained offensive pressure, producing multiple corners. The first half concluded scoreless, marked by persistent fouls and multiple yellow cards. UConn led in shots, 8-2.
Both sides came out firing to start the second half as each team tested the goalkeepers with shots on goal in the first five minutes.
The decisive moment of the match came in the 74th minute as UConn's Charlie Holmes earned the Huskies a penalty kick on a foul by a Butler defender. Redshirt-sophomore midfielder Sabri Hanni calmly stepped up to the spot and buried the game-winning penalty kick for the Huskies, breaking the scoreless deadlock. The goal marked Hanni's third goal of the season, and his second game-winner. Hanni led the team with eight shots, five on goal in the match.
The Huskies solidified their lead just four minutes later in the 78th minute when graduate student midfielder Balthazar Saunders doubled the UConn lead, finding the back of the net on a great setup from teammates Austin Brummett and Ayoub Lajhar in front of goal. Saunders now has four goals this season for the Huskies.
Butler's attempts to respond down the stretch were thwarted by solid UConn defense and goalkeeping, preserving the 2-0 victory for the Huskies.
Up Next
UConn heads to Seton Hall for the regular season finale on Friday, November 7. Kickoff is set for 7:00pm.
Team Stats
Sabri Hanni (2)
UConn Sabri Hanni PENALTY KICK GOAL.
73:56
Balthazar Saunders (4)
Assisted By: Austin Brummett , Ayoub Lajhar
GOAL by UConn Saunders, Balthazar Assist by Brummett, Austin and Lajhar, Ayoub.
77:51
