University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
5-4-2, 1-1-0
Villanova
4-5-1, 0-3-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| UConn | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Villanova | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Huskies Pick up Three Points at Villanova
10/2/2026 9:07:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Coach Gbandi Postgame Interview
VILLANOVA, Pa. – The UConn men's soccer team defeated the Villanova Wildcats, 1-0 on Friday at the Higgins Soccer Complex. The Huskies earned their first BIG EAST victory of the season, improving to 1-1 in league play, and 5-4-2 overall.
Redshirt-junior goalkeeper Kyle Durham earned his first clean sheet of the season, making just two saves in the win.
The Huskies generated the first sustained run of chances early in the first half, with Evan Pickering and Elijah Langford each putting two shots on frame, forcing Villanova goalkeeper Alex Yagudayev to make four saves in the opening 20 minutes.
UConn broke through in the 36th minute with senior forward Rashid Nacif Joffre scoring his first goal of the season to put the Huskies ahead 1-0.
UConn carried the 1-0 lead into halftime while holding a 12 -5 advantage in shots in the first half.
The physicality picked up to start the second half, with Villanova receiving a red card in the 59th minute, giving UConn a man advantage for the remainder of the match.
The Huskies took advantage of Villanova being down a player, generating ten shots, including five on goal over the remainder of the match, but Yagudayev stood tall for the Wildcats.
UConn's defense held strong down the stretch despite multiple scoring chances from Villanova in the closing minutes, earning the Huskies their first shutout of the season.
UConn recorded a season-high 24 shots and achieved a season-high 11 shots on goal in the game. Aidan Sheppela led the Huskies with four shots and put three on goal. Nacif Joffre scored the game-winning goal on his only shot attempt. Steve Delacour recorded an assist, his second of the season. Both teams were whistled for 36 fouls while UConn received six yellow cards, compared to Villanova's three.
Up Next
UConn returns to action Tuesday, October 6 as the Huskies welcome Bryant to Morrone Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:00pm. TICKETS
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
Rashid Nacif Joffre (1)
Assisted By: Steve Delacour
GOAL by UCN Nacif Joffre, Rashid Assist by Delacour, Steve.
35:56
