MSOC Falls in Overtime to No. 11 UCF, 2-1

Sunday, October 20

7:00 PM

University of Connecticut

4-9-1

University of Central Florida

9-1-2

UCF

UConn

Photo by: Stephen Slade

10/20/2019 10:00:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

HARTFORD, Conn. – The UConn men's soccer team dominated the second half and outshot the Knights 13-12 overall; however, No. 11 UCF found a way to escape with the win as they defeated the Huskies, 2-1 (OT), in a hard-fought battle at Dillon Stadium Sunday night. The loss drops UConn to 4-9-1 on the year. UCF improves to 9-1-2 overall.

Physical play and intense defense were the themes of the first half between UConn and 11^th-ranked UCF as 10 combined fouls were called through the first 45. Despite the Knights having a 5-1 shot advantage over the Huskies, shots on-goal remained tied at one apiece.

UConn's only scoring opportunity of the opening frame came in the 26' off a set piece. After a UCF foul, Jake Dengler lined up a shot from 25 yards out that sailed just high of the net at the 25:52 mark.

It appeared the Huskies and Knights would head into the locker room deadlocked at zero, but a late UCF goal gave the Knights a 1-0 advantage. Jonathan Dean dished the ball off to Jonas Schmalbach, and the freshman sent a cross into the box that was headed into the back of the cage by Cal Jennings at 44:58.

UConn emerged from the locker room with new life – The Huskies controlled the possession for the majority of the second half and outshot the Knights 12-5 through the second frame.

Following a UCF foul in the box, Felix Metzler stepped up for the penalty kick but his attempt was knocked away by UCF keeper Yannik Oettl at 79:38, setting up a UConn corner kick. The Huskies wouldn't be denied a second time though – Ziyad Fekri lobbed the ball into the box and Jake Dengler headed it home to even the score 1-1 in the 81'.

Neither side produced a goal in the final 10 minutes of regulation, sending the game into overtime. UCF grabbed the overtime victory however, as Gino Vivi collected a failed clear attempt and cashed in the golden goal at the 91:54 mark.