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No. 11 Men's Soccer Falls in BIG EAST Semifinal to No. 3 Connecticut
Nov. 11, 2011
Harrison, N.J. - The No. 11 University of Louisville men's soccer team fell to No. 3 Connecticut 1-0 in the BIG EAST Tournament semifinals on Friday night at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. The Cards fall to 12-6-2 on the season, while the Huskies improve to 17-2-2. The Cards got the action started early in the second minute of the game as All-American senior Colin Rolfe sent a laser straight for the UConn keeper Andre Blake, who came up with the save. Louisville threatened again in the 23rd minute as the Cards charged deep into the Huskies' box, but were called offsides. UConn tested Andre Boudreaux late in the first half on a shot from outside the box, but he was able to collect the save. The Huskies continued to press hard in the final five minutes, but Louisville was able to hold strong on defense ending the first half in a scoreless tie. Louisville finished the first half with a 5-4 shot advantage, while UConn finished with a 2-0 corner kick advantage. Boudreaux finished with one save, while Blake finished with one. The Cards came out early in the second half pressing the Huskies defense by getting a corner, but were unsuccessful in their attempt. UConn answered back with a pair of corners and had several opportunities in the box which were knocked away by the defense. In the 58th minute, Louisville had its best opportunity to score when a ball served in by Kenney Walker landed at the feet of Michael Roman, whose shot ricocheted off the crossbar preventing the score. Louisville continued its pressure as Walker took a shot in the 70th minute from just outside the box that was saved by the UConn keeper.
The Huskies played a cross into the Cards' box in the 74th minute, but the header from Sean Weir went just wide left of the post to preserve the scoreless tie. UConn finally broke the tie in the 78th minute as Stephane Diop received a pass from Nickardo Blake and blasted a shot from 20 yards out into the left corner of the net. The Cards had one last opportunity in the final minutes in front of the goal as a ball played in by Walker found its way to Austin Berry, who kicked it backwards toward the goal, but the keeper was there for the save. Louisville finished the game with a 16-9 shot advantage, while UConn finished the with a 5-2 corner kick advantage. Boudreaux finished with one save, while Blake finished with four. |
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