The No. 23 UConn men’s soccer team is headed back to Hartford to face off against Fairleigh Dickinson University this Friday. Photo by Eric Wang / The Daily Campus
The men’s soccer team is back in action this Friday to face off against Fairleigh Dickinson University in their third game of the season. This will be the first matchup between the two schools in their history.
UConn (2-0-0) is coming off of a strong performance against the University of Rhode Island, who they beat 3-1 via a hat trick from senior transfer Jordan Hall. The Knights (1-1-0), however, have gotten off to a rockier start this season, winning their first game before losing their last matchup against Lafayette. Head coach of the Huskies Ray Reid explained what has helped them be so successful thus far.
“We’ve got real good leadership [and] we’ve got real good depth,” Reid said. “Guys are playing hard and are focused, so it’s all positives.”
Every player that steps on the field for the Huskies will have to play well for them to continue their winning streak. Photo by Eric Wang, Senior Staff Photographer/Daily Campus
While on paper a combination of Hall and redshirt Dayonn Harris appears to be responsible for the wins, Reid emphasized their depth, and made it clear that the team would not be where it is without the commitment and consistent performance of every member of the Huskies’ starting 11 and their bench.
“We’re a full team, everyone’s contributing,” Reid said frankly.
As for the game plan heading into UConn’s game against the Knights, Reid remained simple with his response.
“We’d like to win,” Reid said.
Fairleigh Dickinson midfielder, Daniel Lasarte, has had an aggressive start to the season, tallying an assist and team-leading four shots on goal in their first two games. UConn’s midfield and back line will have to remain strong to keep the opposition’s shots to a minimum.
Luckily, this unit is as consistent as they come on the defensive end. Through two games, the Huskies lead the American Athletic Conference in goals allowed, shutouts and fouls committed.
Reid expects this to be another good game for his team, one the fans will want to see.
“Hopefully we’ll play hard, we’ll play the game the right way and we’ll give the fans something to cheer about,” Reid said.
The match is set for 7 p.m. on Friday at the Al-Marzook Field at the University of Hartford. Buses will leave the Student Union beginning at 5:30 p.m.. This is the last home game at Al-Marzook before the Huskies begin playing at Dillon stadium in Hartford next week.
Conner Gilson is a campus correspondent for The Daily Campus. He can be reached via email at conner.gilson@uconn.edu.
