University of Connecticut Athletics
Huskies Blank Villanova, 3-0 in BIG EAST Semifinals
11/8/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
STORRS, CT (Nov. 8) - Megan Almanzo (New Hope, MN) scored what turned out to be the game-winner a mere 6:10 into the game on Friday afternoon at Morrone Stadium. With the win, the Huskies advance to the final round of the BIG EAST Championship for the eighth time, hoping to claim their first crown this season.
Almanzo came out strong, scoring in the seventh minute of play for the Huskies. She took a long pass from co-captain Sarah Popper (Penn Yan, NY). Almanzo took a shot from outside the box on the left side. The ball hit the post and bobbled in for goal one. Later in the half, Salla Ranta (Helsinki, Finland) put Connecticut ahead, 2-0. Kristen Graczyk (Albuquerque, NM) passed a ball to Ranta outside the 18-yard mark who took a long shot and placed it in the lower right corner of the net. Villanova only shot one ball in the half, as the teams went into halftime with UConn leading by two goals.
The Wildcats came out more determined in the second half, tallying nine shots, including five on goal, all of which were denied by Connecticut goalkeeper Maria Yatrakis (Brooklyn, NY). Freshman Brittany Barakat (Arlington, TX) scored her tenth of the season, putting away the game for the Huskies. Barakat took a shot that bounced off the post and right back to her. She got a foot on the ball again and found the back of the net.
BIG EAST Goaltender of the Year Maria Yatrakis (Brooklyn, NY) made five saves for the Huskies, as Chrissy Dolan stopped seven in the semifinal game.
Villanova finishes their season at 14-2-4 while Connecticut improves to 17-2-1 heading into the final game on Sunday at noon. The Championship Final will be televised LIVE on Madison Square Garden Network, Fox Sports Net Florida, Fox Sports Net Chicago, New England Sports Network and Empire Sports. In addition, Fox Sports Net Pittsburgh will broadcast on tape delay at 12:30, Comcast Sports Net Philadelphia will show at 1:00. Comcast Sports Net Washington will run the game on Monday, November 11 at 8:00 p.m.
