After an amazing 5-0 start to the season, the University of Connecticut took a step back as they came up short to No. 9 Harvard, ending in 3-2. Even though UConn lost, they still proved that they could compete with a top 10 team.
The Huskies had a hard time shooting, taking six shots with only four being on goal. Even though the offense had a hard time, they were still able to put up two goals on the impressive Harvard defense. UConn trailed behind, but they still fought for a chance to win.
Harvard took 14 shots with 10 of them being on goal. Eventually, they scored three. Despite this, UConn’s defense still put up a hard fight.
UConn goalkeeper No. 1 Natalie McKenna left it all on the field as she saved seven of the 14 shots the Crimson took. Early in the first half, Harvard took their first shot. Thankfully, McKenna made an amazing save, giving Harvard a corner. Although Harvard attempted to net a goal from the corner, McKenna was there to make another block. This gave Harvard a second corner. The shot was once again blocked, but the ball ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time, landing right in front of a Crimson with a wide-open shot, awarding Harvard with the first goal of the game.
For the rest of the first quarter and into second, both teams fought hard, not allowing each other to do much. The game changed for Connecticut in the 19th minute when Harvard player Siena Horton was given a yellow card.
Within seconds of the Crimson having a player down, the Huskies took the leg up. While in the shooting circle, No. 4 Juul Sauer was able to do what she does best and tied the game 1-1.
After the Crimson got their player back, they responded quickly and with the rest of the second quarter underway, neither team gave up. With two minutes left, UConn only allowed one shot on goal. Once again, McKenna came up with the save, not allowing Harvard to extend the lead before half time.
After halftime, Harvard did not take their foot off the gas. Within minutes, the Crimson took back-to-back shots but were unable to score. Eventually, the Crimson secured a corner. Just like their first goal, a connection was made off the corner and Harvard secured a goal, making their lead 3-1.
The Huskies continued to fight hard to reduce the deficit before the third quarter ended, but ultimately, they were unable to. However, the narrative changed for the fourth. With two defenders on Sauer’s breakaway, she took the ball coast-to-coast and put it in the back of the net, giving Connecticut one last chance to get in front or tie the game.
In the 56th minute, the Crimson were at a disadvantage again with Fiene Oerlemans earning a yellow card. Immediately, Connecticut’s head coach Paul Caddy took McKenna out of goal for a two-player advantage and an attempt to take the victory.
Ultimately, No. 14 Sol Simone took one final shot for UConn. Unfortunately, the Harvard keeper saved it, ending the game in a 3-2 loss and putting the Huskies at 5-1 for the season.
Without a doubt, UConn is going to take note of this game and come back even stronger next week.