The University of Connecticut men’s soccer team hosted Georgetown University at Joseph J. Morrone Stadium on Friday at 7 p.m. for a Big East matchup. The Huskies battled back from a second-half deficit to earn a 2-2 draw against the nation’s top-ranked team, closing out the regular season with a strong performance.
The Huskies wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, finding the back of the net just two minutes into the contest. Sophomore midfielder Preston Alessio scored the opening goal, assisted by senior midfielder Steve Delacour, to give UConn an early 1-0 lead. The Huskies continued to apply offensive pressure, with junior forward Alfonso Arredondo recording a shot on goal before UConn earned a corner kick but was unable to capitalize on the opportunity.
Georgetown responded in the 22nd minute when senior Matthew Van Horn converted a free kick to even the score at 1-1. The Huskies continued to apply offensive pressure, with senior forward Elijah Langford recording back-to-back shots in the 25th and 26th minutes. Although neither attempt found the back of the net, UConn maintained its attacking momentum and held a 7-2 advantage in shots heading into halftime.
Georgetown came out of the break looking to take control, finding the go-ahead goal early in the second half. The Hoyas created several early opportunities, with sophomore Charlie Rosenthal and junior Aidan Godinho recording shots. In the 54th minute, sophomore Noah Satriano found the back of the net off an assist from Van Horn to give Georgetown a 2-1 lead. The Hoyas continued to pressure UConn with multiple corner kick opportunities as the physicality intensified, resulting in several fouls and yellow cards on both sides.
Trailing by one, UConn ramped up its offensive pressure in the search for a late equalizer. Junior midfielder Aidan Sheppel put a shot on goal in the 68th minute, but Georgetown goalkeeper junior Charlie DeMarco proved to be a formidable presence in front of the net, keeping the Huskies off the scoreboard. UConn continued to push forward, and in the 88th minute, Alessio converted a penalty kick to even the score at 2-2 and complete his first career brace.
With the score even, the Huskies continued to push for a game-winner in the closing minutes. Alessio recorded another shot in the 89th minute, but his attempt went wide. Freshman midfielder Lucas DePinho followed with an opportunity in the 90th minute, but DeMarco made the save. UConn continued to apply pressure in the final moments, finishing the contest with a 17-7 advantage in shots, including a 10-5 edge in the second half. Alessio led the Huskies with seven shots, while Langford added four. The Hoyas held a 5-4 advantage in corner kicks.
The draw capped off the Huskies’ regular season, highlighting their ability to compete against the nation’s top teams. The matchup also marked Senior Day, as UConn recognized its senior class in its final game of the regular season. The Huskies finished with a 4-3-1 Big East record and 13 conference points, falling just one point short of the fourth and final Big East Tournament berth behind Seton Hall. Despite narrowly missing the postseason, UConn closed out the regular season at 8-7-3 overall record.