Huskies Knock Off No. 10 Akron

Friday, September 19

Akron, OH

7:00 PM

University of Connecticut

6-0-3, 1-0-0

Akron

5-2-1, 0-1-0

UConn

Akron

Photo by: UConn Athletics

9/19/2025 11:41:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Head Coach Chris Gbandi Postgame Interview

AKRON, Ohio – The UConn men's soccer team defeated the No. 10 ranked Akron Zips, 3-1 on Friday night at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Huskies scored three unanswered goals in the second half to earn three points in their BIG EAST opener, remaining unbeaten at 6-0-3 this season.

Akron jumped out to an early lead, scoring the game's opening goal in the 21^st minute.

Redshirt-sophomore goalkeeper Kyle Durham was sensational in between the sticks for the Huskies, limiting the potent Zips attack to just one goal the remainder of the match. Durham finished with six saves on the night, with four of them coming in the second half.

Akron took the one goal advantage into the half, as shots favored the Zips 7-4.

It took UConn just 11 minutes into the second half to find an equalizer as Redshirt-sophomore Sabri Hanni curled a beautiful shot into the upper far corner, his second goal of the season, tying the game at 1-1.

Graduate midfielder Balthazar Saunders netted the game winner in the 69^th minute, chipping the ball over the Zips goalkeeper for his third goal of the season, giving the Huskies the lead for good. Saunders was involved in all three of UConn's goals, recording a goal and two assists for his first career four-point game.

Freshman midfielder Preston Alessio sealed the win for the Huskies in the 79^th minute with his first career goal, putting the game out of reach for Akron at 3-1. The Connecticut native now has a goal and three assists in his first nine collegiate matches.

Up Next

UConn returns to Storrs on Tuesday, September 23 as the Huskies welcome No. 17 Bryant to Joseph J. Morrone Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:00pm. TICKETS