Sept. 7, 2008

Box Score

STORRS, Conn. - The Boston University women's soccer team claimed a 1-0 road triumph over No. 19 Connecticut on Sunday afternoon at Joseph J. Morrone Stadium. Freshman Jessica Luscinski made the most of her first career start, netting the game-winning goal - her first collegiate tally - in the opening half. Sophomore Janie Reilly posted her second shutout of the season in net, making three saves. BU improves to 2-3 overall, while UConn falls to 2-3.

It was the Terriers' first win over a ranked opponent since the 2006 season when they defeated No. 22 Maine and upset No. 3 Santa Clara. BU's defense shined in the victory, as the backline anchored by junior Casey Brown and sophomore Lina Cords did not bend under the Huskies' offensive pressure.

After eight minutes where the majority of the action occurred in the midfield, Luscinski had the first scoring opportunity of the game with a header inside the box off a cross from junior Farrell McClernon, but her attempt was saved by UConn goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe. Luscinski's persistence paid off, however, when she broke through two minutes later off a feed from junior Emily Pallotta for her first career goal at 10:20. Pallotta had sent a cross from the far left side into the box where a diving Luscinski knocked it into the right corner.

The play continued to move from end-to-end at a fast pace, as both teams began to pressure the defenses. With twenty minutes remaining, UConn had its best opportunity of the half when Kate Macauley got on the end of a cross, forcing Reilly to come aggressively off her line and knock away the attempt at point-blank range. The clutch save allowed BU to take a 1-0 lead into the locker rooms at the break.

To open the second half, the Huskies came out on the offensive as Miyuki Hino's shot in the second minute sailed just wide of the far right post. UConn continued to pepper the Terriers' defense; however, the backline did not bend and prevented any momentum change. To close out the game, the Terriers and Huskies battled back-and-forth but strong play from the defense sealed the victory.

BU will return to Nickerson Field on Friday, Sept. 12, for a 7 p.m. game against Wisconsin.