The UConn Women’s soccer team (2-1-1) continues their on-the-road victories after defeating Boston University (0-3-2), resulting in the second shutout of this season for the Huskies.
UConn’s first win of the season came through a road game, against rival New Hampshire. The Huskies have continued to find success on the road, extending their winning streak to 2-0-0, this time against another New England opponent.
The UConn Huskies found a breakthrough late in the first half. In the 34th minute, junior Lina Dantes found the back of the net after a cross from senior Laci Lewis passed from outside the box. This marked Dantes’ first goal for the program and put the Huskies with the goal advantage going into the break. However, this goal was not enough for the Huskies. Just one minute later, freshman Naia Ocio recorded a shot through a header, but it was saved by the Boston goalkeeper.
Even though UConn started the second half up one, Boston was keen on leveling the scoreline and put a much more aggressive offense that pressured the UConn defense. Boston recorded 12 shots compared to the Huskies’ nine. After a stellar performance from graduate goalkeeper Kaitlyn Mahoney, she once again stepped up this game and recorded great saves for the Huskies.
Mahoney’s save of the game came in the 58th minute after a shot from outside the box from the Boston offense. Mahoney was able to tip the ball away from hitting the back of the net, diverting the ball, making it hit the goal post and denying Boston the opportunity to equalize. This save contributed to her 21st career shutout.
UConn soon found themselves on offense similarly to the end of the first half. Lewis, once again from outside the box, crossed the ball from the right sideline, this time into the penalty area. Junior Chioma Okafor took possession of the ball and found the back of the net for the Huskies, doubling the lead late in the second half. With this goal Okafor records her second goal of the season, now leading the team in goals scored. This was her 12th career goal. For the rest of the game, Boston could not produce much as the Huskies held off to win 2-0 on the road.
One cannot overlook the history behind this fixture as UConn and Boston have consistently competed throughout the last two decades. With this win, UConn extends its winning record against Boston 8-5, the previous UConn loss being in 2018.
UConn has not had a great start before hitting the road. After a draw and a loss at home, the Huskies looked to change their fortunes in these two New England road fixtures, and they have. The Huskies have been able to capitalize on key components of their starting 11. From the plays Lewis can set up for the offense to the goalkeeping abilities of Mahoney, the Huskies have been able to find a system that could lead them to great success later in the season with the Big East Regular Season and the post-season tournament.
The Huskies will continue non-conference play at home for the next three fixtures, giving them a chance to find their first win in front of a home crowd. The first of their three-game stretch begins Thursday against Cal State Fullerton (2-3-0) on Student Appreciation Night. Afterward, the Huskies will host two additional New England foes, Rhode Island (2-2-1) on Sunday and Yale (2-1-0) next Thursday. All games can be streamed on UConn+.