Looking to build on the resounding success achieved in its seasoning opening win against Bryant, the University of Connecticut men’s soccer team hosts the University of Rhode Island on Friday night at Morrone Stadium.
This is the 38th meeting between these New England foes, with the Huskies (1-0) leading all-time 25-10-2. They are protecting their homefield nicely, winning 15 of 19 meetings while welcoming the Rams to Storrs. UConn has dominated its matchup with Rhode Island, not only winning their last showdown in Kingston 3-1, but coming out victorious in their four meetings since 2015, along with a 14-game winning streak against the Rams that dates to the early 1980s.
Led by Okem Chime and his two goals, the Huskies were quick to get on the board first last Friday night against Bryant, with the star freshman scoring two minutes into the contest — one of thirteen shots UConn registered in its opener, six of which were on the goal. UConn will look to carry this strong offense momentum into Friday’s matchup with the Rams (1-1).
Rhode Island is looking to build on its victory against Central Connecticut on Aug. 30, as the Rams took care of business winning 2-0. URI started off its season offensively cold, failing to register a goal in its opener against Hofstra. It was a mix of youth and experience for Rhode Island in its win against CCSU, with freshman Rafa Villanueva and senior Patrick Agyemeng finding the back of the net to help their squad find the win column for the first time.
The key for the Huskies to continue their New England dominance over next-door neighbor Rhode Island is to replicate the same aggressive approach on offense that jump-started their opening win last Friday night, combined with a solid defensive showing that saw Bryant only register four shots on graduate student goalkeeper Jahmali Waite. Waite recorded his first clean sheet of the season, turning away all three shots that the visiting Bulldogs could get on target last week.
Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. at Morrone Stadium this Friday, Sept. 3.