University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
1-3-0, 0-0-0
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Western Michigan
0-3-1, 0-0-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Mich. | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| UConn | 1 | 3 | 4 |
UConn Surges Past Western Michigan with Three Second Half Goals
8/31/2026 1:02:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Coach Gbandi Postgame Interview
STORRS, Conn. – The UConn men's soccer team secured their first win of the season on Sunday evening, defeating the Western Michigan Broncos, 4-1 in front of a sold-out crowd at Joseph J. Morrone Stadium.
UConn took control early in the match, earning a penalty kick in the 10th minute. Senior forward Elijah Langford capitalized on the penalty kick, beating the Broncos goalkeeper to give the Huskies a 1-0 lead.
UConn continued to put pressure on the Broncos defense, forcing Western Michigan's goalkeeper Alessandro Ouzounis to make five saves in the first half. Despite UConn's persistent offensive efforts, the first half concluded with UConn maintaining its 1-0 lead. Shot favored the Huskies, 13-2 in the opening 45 minutes.
UConn extended its lead early in the second half with junior forward Evan Pickering netting what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 52nd minute, his first tally of the season, putting the Huskies up 2-0.
Western Michigan responded with a goal from Vitor Geromel in the 60th minute, narrowing the score to 2-1.
Despite conceding, the Huskies regained control with two late goals in the final ten minutes of the match. Langford sealed the victory in the 87th minute with his second goal of the game, extending UConn's lead to 3-1. The two-goal performance marked Langford's first brace in a UConn uniform. He now has four goals through the Huskies first four games this season.
Just 87 seconds later, freshman midfielder Lucas DePinho found the back of the net in the 88th minute for his first career goal. He finished off a cross from his brother, Mateo DePinho, making it 4-1.
The Huskies concluded the match with a season high 21 shots. Preston Alessio, Aidan Sheppela, and Langford each logged four shots. UConn goalkeeper Kyle Durham was rarely tested, making just one save in the game. Senior defender Brayden Strait recorded a career high two assists in the win.
Up Next
UConn returns to action on Thursday, September 3 as the Huskies welcome Brown to Morrone Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm. TICKETS
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
Elijah Langford (3)
UConn Elijah Langford PENALTY KICK GOAL.
09:11
Evan Pickering (1)
Assisted By: Aidan Sheppela , Brayden Strait
GOAL by UConn Pickering, Evan Assist by Sheppela, Aidan and Strait, Brayden.
51:30
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Vitor Geromel (3)
Assisted By: Kyle Pierson , Gabe Villagomez
GOAL by WMU Geromel, Vitor Assist by Pierson, Kyle and Villagomez, Gabe.
59:57
Elijah Langford (3)
Assisted By: Alfonso Arredondo , Matias Paredes
GOAL by UConn Langford, Elijah Assist by Arredondo, Alfonso and Paredes, Matias.
86:00
Lucas DePinho (1)
Assisted By: Mateo DePinho , Brayden Strait
GOAL by UConn DePinho, Lucas Assist by DePinho, Mateo and Strait, Brayden.
87:27
