Since the start of the 21st century, the UConn women’s soccer team has entered the month of October with less than four wins just twice.
The first time came back in 2008, when the team notched a program-worst four wins.
The second is this season. With the Huskies (3-4-8, 1-2-4 Big East) set to host Butler (7-4-4, 2-2-3 Big East) on Wednesday, UConn will need to win at least one of two games this week to avoid being the first in program history to enter November with less than four wins.
With just three games left in the regular season, the Huskies need to win at least one game to avoid beating out the 2008 squad for the losingest team in program history. They need to win two of three to get above that nearly two-decade old mark.
To do that, they will need to somehow conjure a late-season uptick in scoring. UConn scored for the first time in two weeks on Saturday against Marquette, with senior captain Anaya Johnson netting a score near the 60-minute mark before the Golden Eagles salvaged a draw with a late goal within the final ten minutes of the contest.
Johnson has scored the Huskies’ last two goals, dating back to her game-tying goal against Xavier on Oct. 10. Junior forward Se-Hanna Mars, who leads the Huskies with 44 shot attempts and 20 shots on goal, also scored in that contest.
Outside of Johnson’s recent offensive breakout after missing time early in the season, scoring struggles have continuously plagued the Huskies. UConn is tied for 257th in scoring offense, averaging just one goal per game, according to the NCAA website.
Butler may not be the best matchup to bounce back in, as the Bulldogs have allowed less than one goal per game this season and are within the top 100 in the country in goals-against average.
Sophomore goalkeeper Addison Ash has led that defensive charge for the Bulldogs. The reigning Big East Goalkeeper of the Week leads the Big East with 66 saves and 4.40 saves per game.
On the offensive end, Preseason All-Big East honoree Chloe Brecht leads the Bulldogs with seven goals on the year. The junior midfielder has also assisted on three goals, giving her a team-leading 17 points.
Only redshirt-sophomore forward Riley Gumm has more assists, leading the Bulldogs with five. Gumm is also the only other Bulldog with double-digit points.
Kickoff at Joseph J. Morrone Stadium is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The contest will stream live on ESPN+.