In a highly anticipated matchup between two historic Big East rivals, Georgetown women’s soccer handily defeated the University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies 3-1 at Morrone Stadium Sept. 29.
Since the start of the season, the Hoyas (7-1-4, 3-0-1 Big East) have delivered one spectacular game after another. Buttressed by solid defensive play, the team has registered 8 clean sheets over 10 matches. On the other hand, the Huskies (7-2-3, 1-1-2 Big East) entered the matchup as clear underdogs, having dropped their last two games and failing to keep clean sheets in both.
Nevertheless, the Hoya defense needed to bring their A-game against UConn’s notoriously speedy attack. The Huskies also had the home team advantage and seemingly fed off the raucous energy of the crowd.
In the first three minutes of the game, UConn was able to get a few opportunities at goal but were unable to score due to the impressive efforts of Hoya junior goalkeeper Cara Martin.
After the early efforts from UConn, the Hoyas soaked up the pressure and started to slowly settle into the game. With the ball at their feet, they were able to penetrate UConns defense and in the sixth minute of the game, the ball found first-year midfielder Lizzie Heller at the corner. She swung her left foot at the ball, seemingly intending to cross it, but instead found the corner of the goal in a bizarre moment that won Heller her first goal in college soccer.
Georgetown fans were still celebrating well into the 12th minute when the ball was laid off on the edge of the box for team captain and top scorer Maja Lardner to slot it into the bottom corner, putting the Hoyas up 2-0.
The Hoyas were cruising as they maintained possession and displayed confidence, knocking the ball around while the Huskies were struggling to keep up.
But in the 17th minute, the Hoyas earned a corner, which UConn cleared away with a great through-ball putting UConn forward Chioma Okafor one-on-one with Martin. Okafor scored, securing UConn their first point.
At this point, the momentum shifted in UConn’s favor as they continued to press forward. This offensive pressure allowed the Huskies an opportunity to tie the game, but they fired a shot that went wide of the post. Though the energy continued for the rest of the half, the Hoyas’ defensive resolve was impossible to overcome, and they kept their lead all the way to the break.
The Hoyas came out with more passion and energy at the start of the second half, once again controlling the ball. The team focused on their passing and team play, resulting in more shots at goal, including a header that hit the bar.
A minute after the near miss, junior forward Natalie Means burst through the back line and slotted the ball past the keeper to solidify the Hoyas’ lead. UConn tried to nick a goal, but the Hoyas once again proved too strong for UConn’s attack and held onto their 3-1 win at full time.
This win puts the Hoyas at the top of the Big East Conference with 3 wins and zero losses, showing the rest of the league that they are hungry for big rewards this season.