NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Nutmeg State bragging rights are on the line as the University of Connecticut women’s soccer team travels south to take on Yale University.
The Huskies (1-2-1) have dominated the matchup historically, boasting a 21-4-1 all-time record over the Bulldogs (2-1). Each of their last four meetings were decided by just one goal, with each team winning two games apiece.
In their 2024 meeting, UConn came out on top with a final score of 2-1. Fourth-year Chioma Okafor netted two first half goals to put the game out of reach for the Bulldogs.
Despite also holding the head-to-head record advantage on the road, UConn has struggled when playing Yale as the away team in recent games. The Huskies have been unable to emerge victorious over their three matchups at Reese Stadium since 2000 according to the UConn athletics website.
The last time UConn was able to take down the Bulldogs on the road was nearly 30 years ago, when the Huskies came away with a 2-0 victory in October 1995 according to the UConn athletics website.
UConn has gotten off to a shaky start in its non-conference slate having not logged a game in the win column since their home opener against Stony Brook University. On top of that, Connecticut has not managed to find the back of the net since their 2-1 loss to Texas A&M University on Aug. 23.
The Huskies played Rutgers University to a nil-nil draw their last time out. UConn’s offensive struggles of late were on full display as they were outshot by the Scarlet Knights 14-8. UConn was unable to capitalize on their six corner kick chances.
Yale enters Thursday’s contest reeling off a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to No. 25 Vanderbilt University on Friday.
The loss snuffed out a two-game win streak for the Bulldogs who battled down to the final minutes. Third-year goalkeeper Kyla Holmes made a career-high 11 saves but allowed the winner to sneak by in the 88th minute.
Holmes holds a commanding eight save lead over Ivy League keepers, totaling 22 through the early stretch of the season according to the Ivy League athletics website. With Holmes in net, UConn will have their work cut out for them in their efforts to address the team’s offensive woes.
The action will kick off at 7 p.m. on Thursday, as both teams look to cement themselves as Connecticut’s top dogs. Fans can tune into the game on ESPN+.