University of Connecticut Athletics
Gjertsen Leads Huskies to Second Round of NCAAs
11/12/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
STORRS, Conn. (Nov. 12) - Senior forward Jessica Gjertsen (Stony Plain, Alberta) scored both of the Husky's goals as the University of Connecticut women's soccer team (17-6-1) defeated Harvard (8-7-2) by a score of 2-1 on Friday night in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament. With the win, the Huskies advance to Second Round action for the 18th time in school history and will face Colgate Sunday afternoon at Morrone Stadium at 12:00 p.m.
On a cold and snowy night, UConn took a 1-0 lead in the 32nd minute on a breakaway goal by Gjertsen. Junior midfielder Kathleen Frank (Lansing, Mich.) passed the ball up to a streaking Gjertsen who fired the ball past Harvard keeper Katie Shields to put the Huskies up 1-0 going into halftime.
In the first half, Connecticut held a 8-5 advantage in shots. UConn also had three corner kicks while not allowing one to the Crimson.
Gjertsen then gave the Huskies a 2-0 lead at the 84:19 mark when she tallied her second goal of the contest. Fellow senior Lani Fortier (Rye, N.H.) was awarded an assist on the goal to collect the first point of her career.
The Crimson cut the Husky lead to one when Emily Colvin scored unassisted at 88:35, but it was too little too late as UConn clinched the victory by a score of 2-1 to advance to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament.
For the game, the two teams were even in shots at 11 each, with Connecticut holding a 3-2 advantage in corner kicks. Junior keeper Megan Jessee (Orefield, Pa.) made six saves for her 17th win of the season. Gjertsen led the team in shots with nine, six of which were on goal. Her two goals increased her season total to 11.
UConn will next play Sunday, Nov. 14 against Colgate at 12:00 p.m. at Morrone Stadium on the Storrs campus. Colgate upset No. 13 seed Arizona 1-0 in the second game of the First Round to advance in tournament play.
Connecticut 2, Harvard 1
Harvard 0 1 - 1
Connecticut 1 1 - 2
Scoring
1st Half - UC Jessica Gjertsen (10) (Kathleen Frank), 32:32.
2nd Half - UC Jessica Gjertsen (11) (Lani Fortier) 84:19; HU Emily Colvin (4) (Unassisted), 88:35.
Shots - UC 11, HU 11
Saves - UC Megan Jessee 6 (90:00), HU Katie Shields 5 (90:00).
Corner Kicks - UC 3, HU 2
Fouls - UC 7, HU 12
YC - UC Alisse Kosloski (55:06), HU Liza Barber (85:24).
