No. 8 UConn Falls to SMU, 2-0

Sunday, October 28

Storrs, Conn.

12 p.m.

University of Connecticut

10-3-2

Southern Methodist University

8-4-2

SMU

UConn

Photo by: Stephen Slade

10/28/2018 4:00:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Photo Gallery

STORRS, Conn. - The No. 8/15 UConn men's soccer team was blanked by SMU on Sunday afternoon, 2-0, at Morrone – snapping a 10-game unbeaten streak dating back to Sept. 2.

The Huskies (10-3-2) outshot the Mustangs 12-10 but were unable to capitalize on the scoring opportunities close to the net. Goalie Austin Aviza made a pair of saves in the losing effort.

UConn's best two scoring opportunities in the first half came within five seconds of each other – At the 27:10 mark, Josh Burnett misfired a shot from inside the box that hit the right outside post. Dayonn Harris cleaned up the rebound and nearly snuck the ball into the bottom right corner of the net before it was saved by the SMU keeper.

SMU's Thomas Haney broke a scoreless tie in the 49^th minute, giving SMU a 1-0 lead after the UConn defense made some great deflections and blocks in the opening period.

Philip Ponder tallied on a free kick in the 62^nd minute after the ball was batted around to extend SMU's advantage to 2-0 and sinking the Huskies for the first time in AAC play and at Morrone Stadium this year.

Physicality was evident as the teams went head-to-head over the course of the match, resulting in 18 fouls.

UConn had a couple of opportunities to cut into the two-goal deficit, but an Ibrahima Diop attempt (64^th) was saved and a Blaise N'Gague shot (66^th) sailed high. SMU goalie Grant Makela recorded his sixth shutout of the season.

The Huskies will look to bounce back on Friday night as they wrap up conference play with a road match at Tulsa. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. (ET) / 6 p.m. (CT).