The University of Hartford’s men and women’s soccer teams were back in action this past week as the Hawks took on a busy schedule.
The men were up first in the line of duty, as they traveled to UMass on Sept. 16 to take on the Minutemen.
Both clubs came into the game with just one win on the season, giving both teams a fair shot at victory.
Hartford struck first as redshirt senior Rohan Roye netted the first goal at the 20-minute mark of the contest. This would mark his first goal of the season and sixth of his career.
Junior Brian Richards set up the beautiful assist to his teammate, allowing Hartford to hold the momentum of the game.
With tough defense, the Hawks hoped to coast to victory after the lone goal and lock another victory in.
However, in the 37th-minute, UMass retaliated with an attack of their own and tied the game at 1-1.
This left both teams at a stalemate going into the half.
Coming out of the half, it was equal opportunity for both teams as they started with a fresh set of minutes on the clock.
UMass, once again, was able to take possession as they netted another goal in the 64th-minute, which would end up being the game winner.
Although Hartford seemed to control the game with the opening score, a 17-11 shot advantage and eight shots in the closing minute, they were unable to take home the win.
The Hawks were able to bounce back quickly and find their rhythm again as they were slated to take on the Gaels of Iona.
This would mark Hartford’s first home game since its season opener after summing up a five-game road trip.
The men were ready to protect their house by any means necessary.
The Hawks came out flying as they led a 5-4 shot advantage in the first half. Both teams went on to play exceptional defense, holding each other scoreless in the first half.
Heading into the second half, the teams would regroup in an attempt to come out strong and finally put points on the board.
This was not the case, as the defense prevailed for both sides, forcing the end of regulation and bringing the game to overtime.
Each team entered the extra minutes searching for answers and new tactics, but it was only one who stood victorious.
In the 94th-minute, the Hawks took the game as senior Javoni Simms made the game-winning shot off an assist from Richards.
This would mark another shutout win for junior goalkeeper David MacKinnon, now at 18 career shutouts.
This extended Hartford’s undefeated home streak to 15 consecutive games in the last three seasons.
With their confidence high and victorious ways in motion, the Hawks take their game back on the road as they travel to CCSU to take on the Blue Devils on Sept. 23.
The Hawks’ women’s team was ready to build on their success of the season as they were set to face Yale on Sept. 17 at home.
The women were looking to keep their five-game streak alive and all signs pointed toward just that against the Bulldogs.
Hartford held the upper hand through most of the match as they owned a 19-11 shot advantage over Yale.
In the 39th-minute mark, redshirt junior Caroline Massey put the Hawks on the board, scoring the first strike of the contest. Massey was able to send a dart through the net on a blocked shot that was set up by senior teammate Sidney Spremullo.
This was enough to not only give the women the boost they needed, but also potentially the goal to seal the win.
Unfortunately, in just four short minutes after, Yale would answer and tie the contest right before the halftime mark.
The second half picked up and neither team seemed to have any luck after their first goals. The second half of regulation came to a close and the scoreboard still read 1-1.
This would present the Hawks with extra minutes in overtime.
Hartford kept their relentless attack in full effect, yet it still wasn’t enough to put more points on the board.
A second overtime was necessary in order to give the teams another fresh clock in an attempt to claim victory. Although Hartford led the shot advantage to 7-1 in both overtimes, Yale’s defense would remain unbreakable, ending the game in a 1-1 draw.
The goalkeepers were the playmakers of the game as junior Jessica Jurg tied her career high of four saves, while Yale’s goalkeeper blocked eight attempts.
This would be the first time Yale had not defeated Hartford in the last six meetings.
After their defensive home stand, the Hawks were back on the road, traveling to Staten Island to take on the Wagner Seahawks.
The Hawks had much to look forward to as they held five undefeated games under their belt and Wagner would not be the team to ruin that streak.
Hartford came in with no mercy as redshirt junior Massey put the first points on the board in just a hundred seconds into the match. This would be her third goal in just as many games for the Hawks.
The women kept the attack coming as they overpowered Wagner in a 16-7 shot advantage for the game.
The Hawks applied tough defense and a ferocious attack, which was enough to leave them sitting comfortably with a 1-0 lead.
Ultimately, this would be another win for Hartford and extend their current unbeaten streak to six games, matching the same mark set in 2012.
Out of the six games, five of them had been shutout scores, led by goalkeeper Jurg as she holds 19 career shutouts to her list of accolades.
The women will look to make the win streak seven as they head to New Jersey on Sept. 24 to play Fairleigh Dickinson.
It should be a tough battle for the Hawks, but they will look to win overall.