The first Friday of September will bring an in-state battle on the turf between the UConn men’s soccer team (2-0-1) and Central Connecticut State University (0-3).
The Huskies are coming off a three-game stretch at home where they beat Stonehill College and New Jersey Institute of Technology. In their most recent game, they had a scoreless tie with Long Island University.
The Blue Devils have yet to find a game in the win column, losing to the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Bryant University and Canisius University this season.
According to uconnhuskies.com, the two programs have met once before tonight’s meeting. Connecticut took down Central Connecticut State at Morrone Stadium last season by a score of 3-1.
So far, midfielder Sabri Hanni has led the way for the Huskies regarding total points. The Paris, France native has started in all three games this season and has scored twice while lending his hand on another goal for a total of five points. He’s tied for the team’s lead in goals with two alongside junior midfielder Marco Valentic.
Last week was superb for goalkeeper Max Kerkvliet. The redshirt freshman registered eight saves in the two games last week, only giving up a goal on a penalty kick. Overall, the Houston, Texas native has 11 saves and a .917 save percentage so far this season.
Central Connecticut State was picked to finish eighth out of nine members in the Northeast Conference, according to the league’s preseason poll released on Aug. 7.
While the Blue Devils have not scored yet this season, it’s important to mention their most aggressive players on offense. The players with the most shots attempted so far are forwards Parker Bowman and Anthony Catanzaro and midfielder Austin Rocke. The three players each have two shots attempted.
It’s unknown who will be in the net for Central Connecticut State, as both Michel Pinoncely and Mick Sipples have split time in the net. Sipples has spent the most time as goalkeeper, with a goals-against average of 2.50 and a .643 save percentage. On the other hand, Pinoncely has a goals-against average of 2.00 and a save percentage of .600.
Following this game, the Huskies will return to Storrs to host Siena College on Monday. The Blue Devils will travel within the Nutmeg State to face Quinnipiac University on Tuesday.
Tonight’s game will begin at 7 p.m. at the CCSU Soccer and Track & Field Stadium in New Britain, Conn. The game can be found live on NEC Front Row.