As the season continues on throughout the weeks, the Hartford Hawks men’s and women’s soccer teams proceed to find their rhythm and leave Hawk Nation standing proud. Adding to their booming success in recent weeks, the Hawks Women’s soccer team took their first, and only loss in their second game, and haven’t looked back since.

After coming off a victory in an overtime thriller against Sacred Heart, the women were poised to defend their home turf once again.

The Highlanders of NJIT traveled to West Hartford on September 10, set on handing the Hawks their second loss.

However, the Hawks knew that wasn’t the case as they came ready to attack as usual. Hartford controlled the entire game as they held a 29-6 shot advantage over NJIT.

With numerous attempts from the Hawks however, none of the 12 on-target shots were able to connect.

It wasn’t until the 77 minute that women were able to secure possession of the game. One of the Highlanders’ players was unable to make a play on the ball, kicking it into their own goal, ultimately leading the Hawks on to victory.

NJIT was not able to capitalize on their crucial mistake, and the Hawks left victorious once again. Not to be outdone by the mishap of the opposing team, it was the defense that stood out as junior goalkeeper Jessica Jurg created another shutout performance, increasing the total to 17 in her career.

Just three short days later, the women were set for action again at home, this time against the Bryant Bulldogs. In this game, the Hawks truly dominated on all cylinders, leaving Bryant with no chance.

It was a scoring frenzy as the Hawks were having fun coasting to a 5-0 victory. Freshmen Juila Carr and Ashley Claud put the first two points on the board, respectively.

Redshirt junior Caroline Massey and juniors Tori Tripp and Aaliyah Ingram topped of the victory as each scored goals in the massive attack by the Hawks.

Jessica Jurg tallied her 18 career shutout, and the Hawks have won 4 straight since their only loss. The women look to continue the home stand action as they play Yale on September 17 at Al-Marzook field.

After coming off three games without falling to defeat, the Hartford Hawks Men’s Soccer team traveled to Virginia on September 11 to face the Rams of VCU.

The Hawks have had hard fought efforts, resulting in battles in each of their games. This would remain true as they took on VCU in another contest that would test their character.

It was a physical contest to say the least, as both teams totaled four yellow cards a piece and 35 total fouls.

Hartford had the slight edge over the Rams holding an 11-10 shot advantage.

However, it was VCU who capitalized and marched on to a 2-0 victory.

Despite junior goalkeeper David Mackinnon’s four saves, VCU put up a season high two goals on the Hawks and handed the team their first defeat of the season.

The Hawks had to keep their heads up and confidence high, as the competition would only get tougher in their next game.

Staying in Virginia, on September 13, the Hawks were slated to take on the number 22 ranked school in the nation, Old Dominion.

Fresh off of their first loss, and only room to look up, the Hawks were prepared to give everything they had.

Without missing a beat of composure, the Hawks struck first in the 28 minute, when junior Jeff Tryon scored the game’s first goal.

The team had reason to be proud as they led going into the half against the no. 22 ranked school.

Coming out of the half however, Old Dominion found their game as they went on to score two goals in the 59 and 62 minute, putting the team up 2-1.

The Hawks refused to stand inferior as junior Jovanni Sims tied up the game and kept the Hawks alive and forcing overtime.

Ultimately, it was goalkeeper David MacKinnon’s saving effort that kept Old Dominion from scoring and allowing the game to go to a second overtime.

The Hawks stood strong, facing such a formidable team, yet understanding it was still anyone’s game to win.

Through the outstanding showing, the Hawks would fall to Old Dominion in the second overtime as they gave up a goal and received their 2 loss of the season.

This however, showed the team that even against a top ranked opponent, they were able to not only hold their own, but very well be able to win the match.

Holding onto that positive mindset, the Hawks will play their next game at UMass on September 16.