Bulls Close Non-Conference Slate with Draw at UConn

Saturday, September 16

Storrs, CT

7:00pm

3-1-3, 0-0-0

UConn

3-2-2, 0-0-0

Buffalo

UConn

Photo by: Paul Hokanson/UBBulls.com

Bulls Close Non-Conference Slate with Draw at UConn

9/16/2023 10:29:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

STORRS, Conn. – The University at Buffalo women's soccer team used a strong second half to rally for a 1-1 draw with the UConn Huskies on Saturday night at Morrone Stadium.

With the result, UB extends their unbeaten streak to six games entering league play.

UConn pressed early and often as Chioma Okafor broke free in the 13^th minute and put a ball short side that just missed wide. Later in the 19^th minute, Emma Zaccagnini found space and ripped a shot on net from about 22 yards out but Lexie Thompson made a fantastic leaping save.

Another dangerous moment came for UB in the 25^th minute as the Huskies played a ball into the box that took an odd hop right to Cara Jordan who got under it and headed it just over the crossbar.

The Huskies would break through in the 28^th minute as Abbey Jones took a corner kick and played a perfect service into the box and Okafor converted the header goal to give UConn a 1-0 lead.

The Bulls recorded their only shot on goal of the half in the 39^th minute as Arianna Zumpano got deep in the box and got a shot off but she didn't get all of it and Kaitlyn Mahoney was on it for the easy save as the Huskies maintained a one goal lead at the break.

Buffalo came out attacking to start the second half it paid off in the 60^th minute as Olivia Bizzoni found Katie Krohn who made a great run up the left side and fired a shot on net that was saved by Mahoney, but Leah Wengender was in the perfect spot for the rebound goal to tie the game at one.

The Bulls looked to add to their lead in the 67^th minute as Marissa Foster made a great run and ripped a shot just wide and then a few minutes later, Foster found Moa Andersson in the box and she got a foot on it but Mahoney made another save to escape the jam.

In the 83^rd minute, Krohn drew a foul, Kaylin Ricci took the ensuing free kick from about 25 yards out and gets a good strike but right at Maloney for the save. The Bulls made one last run in the 88^th minute as Sarah Woods made a run up the right side and fired a shot in stride but Maloney made the save once again as the game ended in a draw.

Thompson made two saves on the night while Maloney made four stops for UConn. Zumpano was named Player of the Game by the UB coaching staff for her relentless effort on both sides of the ball.

"Really proud of the fight and performance from the group tonight," said head coach Shawn Burke. "That's a very good UConn team and a great measure for us heading into conference play. If we can find this level for MAC play we will be in a really good place."

Up next, Buffalo opens Mid-American Conference play on Thursday, September 21 at Akron.