STORRS, Conn. – The St. John’s Universiity men snapped a two-game losing streak by recording a 1-0 Big East win over the University Connecticut at Morrone Stadium Saturday afternoon.
Einar Lye recorded the lone goal for the Red Storm (5-4-0, 3-4-0), converting on a penalty kick in the 33rd minute. The play that drew the penalty also resulted in a red card for UConn’s Josh Morgan, as the Huskies (1-3-1, 0-3-1) played the final 57 minutes with 10 men.
Goalkeeper Luka Gavran and Jan Hoffelner combined for their fourth shutout as they recorded three saves apiece.
It looked as if the Huskies might take an early lead thanks to an attempt from the penalty spot in the 21st minute. Moussa Wade tried to beat Gavran to his left, but the keeper guessed correctly and smothered the shot.
Gavran made another stop in the 30th minute before the Red Storm converted on its penalty kick opportunity in the 33rd. UConn keeper Jahmali Waite guessed correctly, but Lye’s try snuck under his outstretched hand and into the back of the net.
Playing with 10 men, UConn still managed to apply pressure in the attacking third.
Okem Chime recorded the first shot of the second half in the 51st minute, but Hoffelner came up with the save. St. John’s nearly broke through in the five minutes later, earning three corner kicks and firing off three shots, the last of which saw Waite turned aside a try from Matt Forster.
Hoffelner logged saves in the 66th and 78th minutes.
Josiah Crawford nearly gave the Red Storm a two-goal cushion in the 87th minute, but his shot rang off the post.
