The UConn men’s soccer team takes on Villanova in an afternoon game on Friday, marking its second Big East matchup of the season.
The Huskies (4-4-2) are coming off a 3-1 victory over Sienna University last Tuesday and have had an extended break after their matchup against St. John’s was rescheduled for Oct. 27. The teams were originally scheduled to play last Saturday.
The team’s win over Sienna was highlighted by its early offensive pressure and ability to maintain its lead against the Saints’ offensive efforts.
UConn struck first in the 22nd minute following a penalty kick from sophomore midfielder Preston Alessio, who sent the ball into the bottom-left corner of the net to give the Huskies a 1-0 lead. Despite scoring chances throughout the rest of the first half, UConn goalkeeper Kyle Durham remained strong in net to preserve the Huskies’ 1-0 lead entering halftime.
Siena tied the game in the 54th minute, but UConn responded with two goals in the final 10 minutes of the game to take home the win.
Looking towards Villanova, the Wildcats recently snapped their three-game losing streak, securing a 4-2 win over Drexel University, though they fell in their most recent matchup against fellow Big East team Xavier last Saturday. Villanova enters Friday’s matchup with a 4-4-1 record and is 0-2 in Big East play.
Midfielders Luke Martelli and Karson Vazquez are two of the lead offensive players for the Wildcats. Martelli has recorded two goals and three assists this season, while Vazquez has one goal and one assist. Junior goalkeeper Alex Yagudayev has also provided a strong game in net, recording 18 saves in his two starts against St. John’s and Xavier.
Yagudayev has earned a .873 save percentage in net in his eight games played and remains a challenge that UConn will need to get past to secure the victory.
Villanova has struggled with allowing opponents to generate offensive chances as the team has been outshot 211-106 through its nine games so far this season. The Wildcats’ defensive struggles could give UConn an opportunity to create scoring chances and put pressure on Yagudayev early on into the game.
For the Huskies, maintaining their offensive attacks will be key against a Villanova team that has allowed opponents to consistently generate scoring chances. UConn will look to build off its three-goal performance against Sienna and take home its first Big East win of the season.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. at Higgins Soccer Complex. Fans can tune in to watch the Huskies on ESPN+.