The University of Connecticut men’s soccer team defeated fellow Big East opponent Xavier University 2-1 on Saturday at Corcoran Field in Cincinnati as second-half goals from Preston Alessio and Ellijah Langford pushed the Huskies to a road victory. The win improved UConn’s overall record to 8-7-2 and 4-3 in Big East play.
Alessio opened the scoring in the 68th minute, and Langford added to the lead eight minutes later. Xavier responded with a goal of their own in the 81st minute, but UConn was able to keep them from netting another one to secure the victory.
The Huskies took control early on and kept this offensive pressure during the first half, recording six shots compared with Xavier’s four. UConn also generated seven corner kicks in the opening period as the team was consistent at creating opportunities that put pressure on the Musketeers’ defense.
Despite the strong offensive attack from UConn, neither team found the back of the net before halftime. Xavier goalkeeper Jonny Mennell made two saves in the first half, preventing UConn from taking the lead. Senior Brayden Strait tested Mennell with a shot toward the top-right corner in the 21st minute that went wide. Junior Aidan Sheppela sent another attempt shortly after and then later again in the 30th minute, but Mennell was there to make the stop.
UConn also kept Xavier from establishing a strong offense, with the Musketeers creating four shots in the first half while failing to put any on net. The Huskies’ defense helped keep the game tied at 0-0 entering halftime.
UConn continued their offensive pressure after halftime with Alessio sending shots towards Mennell twice during the first few minutes of the second half. Both shot attempts were sent toward the top-left corner of the net, but Mennell made the saves. Junior midfielder Jorge Sandoval also tried to find an opening in the 53rd minute when he sent a shot over the crossbar but was unsuccessful.
Xavier generated a strong opportunity in the 62nd minute when Gerard Lorente sent a shot toward the bottom-right corner, but UConn goalkeeper junior Kyle Durham made the save and prevented the Musketeers from taking the lead.
The Huskies turned the game in their favor after Alessio scored his fourth goal of the season in the 68th minute to give UConn a 1-0 lead. The midfielder has been one of UConn’s most dominant players so far this season and throughout the game as he tested Mennell countless times and led the Huskies’ offensive attack.
After the game, head coach Christ Ghbandi emphasized Alessio’s importance to the team beyond his offensive production.
“He’s probably one of our best players,” head coach Chris Ghbandi said in a post-game interview on the program’s X. “Not only with the ball, but with how much he gives to our team.”
Alessio ended the night with five shots, setting a career high in shots on goal. His ability to pressure Xavier’s goalkeeper helped UConn maintain offensive pressure until it finally converted an opportunity.
The Huskies extended their lead in the 76th minute when Langford scored off a pass from Evan Pickering. The senior forward’s eighth goal of the season gave UConn a 2-0 lead and marked his third-game winning goal of the season. Pickering, who entered the game as a substitute, recorded his first assist of the season as well.
However, UConn’s 2-1 lead did not last long, with Xavier responding less than six minutes later when they scored in the 81st minute to give the Musketeers an opportunity to force a draw.
The goal put pressure on the Huskies during the final minutes of the game, but Durham made a key stop on Ely Detty’s attempt in the 89th minute to close out the game with a win.
The Huskies finished with 17 shots, including nine on target, while Xavier recorded nine shots and three on goal. UConn also had a 10-3 advantage in corner kicks.
Up next, UConn will return to action on Friday, Nov. 6, to host No. 2 Georgetown University at Morrone Stadium to close out the regular season. The Huskies will look to get another Big East victory before turning their attention to postseason play.