The Huskies (7-2-3, 1-1-2) earned their first win of conference play against New England rival Providence (5-5-1, 2-1) in a thrilling matchup under the lights.
The Huskies entered the game with pressure as they sought to get into the win column in conference play. That pressure, however, soon felt heavy on Providence defense as the UConn offense sought to end its winning drought. The Huskies were soon creating scoring opportunities in the opening minutes. In the eighth minute, the ball was centered in the box, giving junior and leading scorer Chioma Okafor an open shot. Unfortunately, it was saved by the Friars goalkeeper Emma Bodmer.
Persistence from the Huskies continued well into the half as senior Abbey Jones continued to try and find Okafor to put them into the lead. Jones herself was able to record a shot from the bottom of the net, but again it was saved by the Providence goalkeeper.
UConn was soon able to find the breakthrough in the twenty-seventh minute through a goal by Okafor, which was assisted by defender Laci Lewis. This marks the 10th goal of the season for the team’s No. 10. Additionally, this marked the first time in the Big East play where UConn was in the lead.
While the one-goal lead was the confidence booster Connecticut needed, they were not satisfied as the momentum on the UConn offense continued to overwhelm the Friars. The Huskies began to earn corner kicks which continued to add pressure to the Providence defense as they were doing anything they could to gain possession of the ball and bring it back to midfield. However, it wasn’t enough as UConn continued to dominate possession. Not only was possession they key for a dominant Husky half, but shot opportunities were also essential to deter any comeback from the Friars. In the first half alone, UConn recorded six shots with five being on target, while Providence recorded none.
The Huskies entered the half with a one-goal advantage. While preserving the lead was key, UConn was adamant on extending the lead to put the game away. Providence had to respond quickly given UConn’s success this season when leading in the half. However, not much materialized and they were given a yellow card just five minutes into the second half.
Okafor again found herself on the front, coming close to extending the lead. In the fifty-sixth minute, Okafor had an open shot, but her shot was off target. As the half continued, it remained a stalemate in the midfield as both teams were attempting find the back of the net. The cracks of the stalemate began in the 66th minute when UConn made a run from the other side of the field after successfully regaining control of the ball from the Providence offense. After single handedly bringing the ball down to the Providence defense, a shot was taken by sophomore Anaya Johnson, but it was saved.
Providence began to regain momentum late in the second half but failed to execute plays. Their offensive efforts were met with great defense from the Huskies, causing Providence turnovers, which was seen from the previous play, almost resulted in a quick UConn goal.
UConn then found themselves pressured with Providence starting to create shots. The Friars came close twice to equalizing in the 82nd minute, their shots being blocked by UConn goalkeeper MaryKate Ward and the others being off target. UConn was able to defend their lead and defeat Providence 1-0. This also marks their fifth shutout of the season.
Connecticut will pick up a crucial three points which will keep them in contention for post season play. The UConn Huskies will continue their Big East campaign on the road against Creighton (4-5-1, 1-3). Kick-off is set for 2 p.m. which can be streamed on FloSports.