The UConn women’s soccer team took a short trip to New Haven, Conn. to take on Yale University. The Husky and Bulldog battle was an out-of-conference game but was a fierce matchup against in-state rivals.
The program is coming off a matchup against Rutgers University that ended in a tie (0-0). Although the game ended in a draw, the Huskies put up impressive plays. Junior goalkeeper Elizabeth Dibasi made her collegiate debut in the game. Dibasi quickly adjusted, coming up with her first career save in the 87th minute. The offense put up impressive effort, earning six corner kick opportunities to Rutgers three.
The first half of the game ended in a deadlock with both teams creating scoring chances throughout. UConn’s attack was led by junior forward Chioma Okafor, who put up multiple shots. Okafor took a low shot in the 12th minute and another shot in the 35th testing the skills of the Bulldog’s goalkeeper, junior Kyla Holmes. Fifth year midfielder Kaitlyn Richins was also a formidable asset to the attack. Richins attempted a goal in the 7th minute firing high to the left. The attempt was again stopped by Holmes, who made four saves in the first half.
The Bulldogs had their best opportunity of the half in the 17th minute when sophomore forward Vienna Lundstedt stepped up for a penalty kick. The goal was denied by freshmangoalkeeper Ava Yamas. Yale managed a few more attempts, most notably by sophomore Reagan Exley in the 13th minute; however, none were able to deliver them a goal.
The first half was aggressive with both teams picking up a yellow card. On the Husky side, sophomore Lydia LeBlanc picked up a yellow card in the 38th minute. On the Bulldogs’ side, senior Logan Jacobs picked up a yellow card in the 27th minute.
UConn put up a slight edge against Yale in attacking pressure in the first half, but we were unable to follow through. Both goalkeepers, Yamas for UConn and Holmes for Yale, put up dominant performances throughout the first half.
The second half began with immediate impact from UConn. Sophomore midfielder Anaya Johnson came in on a substitute, scoring with a low left-footed shot in the first 25 seconds. The goal created momentum for the Huskies, speeding up the tempo of the game. Okafor took multiple attempts but was unable to get a goal. The Bulldogs quickly responded with an attempted shot from junior midfielder Karoline Hernes in the 51st minute. This attempt was followed by a corner in the 55th minute that led to an attempt on goal by Lundstedt, which was stopped by the Huskies’ defense.
The second half continued to be aggressive with multiple fouls being committed on both sides. Okafor committed several fouls for the Huskies, while Lundstedt and junior forward Addison Bray picked up infractions on the Bulldog side. The intensity continued with Yale picking up a yellow card in the 66th minute.
UConn’s defense stayed strong throughout the second half to preserve their lead. The defense was led by Yamas, graduate student Anna Carson and freshman forward Naia Ocio. Yamas came up with key saves to secure the victory for the Huskies. This included a save against Hernes in the 74th minute and Exley in the 87th minute. Despite Yale earning free kicks and corners in the final 20 minutes, UConn’s defenders limited clear lines to the goal. With Yamas at the goal and the defense holding strong the Huskies successfully ended with a victory.
With this dominant win, UConn regains their momentum following two tough losses and a tie. This dominant performance shows them as formidable opponents early on in the season.The Huskies will look to bring the same strength into their next matchup against out-of-conference opponent, University of Rhode Island. The team will travel to Kingston, R.I. on Thursday, September 11. The game will commence at 7 p.m. and Husky fans can tune into this matchup on FloSports.