UConn women’s soccer forward Rachel Hill runs upfield during the Huskies’ game against New Hampshire at Joseph J. Morrone Stadium on Nov. 15, 2014. (File Photo/The Daily Campus)
No. 24 UConn women’s soccer hopes to get back to its winning ways Friday when the team takes on Central Connecticut.
No. 15 Rutgers snapped the Huskies’ undefeated streak snapped last Sunday in New Jersey, sending the team to a 6-1-0 record. UConn struggled offensively after a few early chances, getting shut out while the Scarlet Knights put two goals past goalkeeper Emily Armstrong. With the win, Rutgers remained undefeated.
UConn has boasted a diverse offensive attack this year, with nine different players scoring goals, but the attack never cashed in against Rutgers last Sunday. The Huskies outshot the Scarlet Knights 18-13 and recorded more shots on goal, but to put one into the back of the net. Rachel Hill, Kim Urbanek and Stephanie Ribeiro each recorded at least four shots, while Hill was the only one to put more than one shot on goal.
The team will try to get back on the scoreboard and regain its defensive form when it travels to play Central Connecticut. CCSU is coming off a 1-0 victory at Siena that improved their 2015 record to 3-1-2. The Blue Devils’ offense recorded three goals in their opener against Stony Brook on Aug. 28, but has not scored more than once in any game since then.
Central Connecticut goalkeeper Nicki Turley was named NEC Defensive Player of the Week after an impressive weekend in which she allowed only one goal over 200 minutes. Turley tied a career-high with 10 saves against Boston University last Friday night. With Turley in such fine form, the Huskies may struggle to score if they can’t create strong chances.
Four players have scored for the Blue Devils this year, with freshman Emma Hubbard leading the team with three goals. Jennifer Cafferky has two goals of her own while Brianne Casey has recorded three assists. With previously injured senior defender Megan Hunsberger working her way back into the lineup against Rutgers, UConn should be well-equipped to handle the Central Connecticut attack.
UConn has dominated the all-time series against Central Connecticut, leading 12-1-0. The last time these two in-state rivals met, a 2014 match in New Britain, the Huskies pulled out a 3-1 victory.
The match between the Huskies and the Blue Devils is set for 7 p.m. at the CCSU Soccer Field in New Britain, Connecticut.
The Huskies’ road trip will continue with three more road games after Friday. Their next match will be against Brown in Providence, Rhode Island on Sunday, Sep. 20.
Tyler Keating is a campus correspondent for The Daily Campus, covering UConn women’s soccer. He can be reached via email at tyler.keating@uconn.edu.
