BOX SCORE
University Park, PA – The University of Hartford men's soccer team battled Ohio State to a 1-1 double overtime draw in the opening match of the Penn State Classic. The Hawks remain unbeaten in 2009 with a record of 2-0-1, while the Buckeyes' record also remains clean at 1-0-2 overall.
“We are very proud of how the guys have represented the University of Hartford,” stated Head Coach Dan Gaspar. “We outshot Ohio State 26-14, which means we were going for goal. Based on our performance against a quality team that was in the Division I finals two years ago, we deserved to win. We put them under pressure and as a result the best player for Ohio State was the goalkeeper. We believe we earned their respect. Now we need to get the team ready for Penn State on Sunday.”
The Hawks' attack was first to strike as Ivan Guarinfound the back of the net in the 42nd minute of play. The senior tallied his second goal of the season off a free-kick at the 41:40 mark from about 22 yards out, giving the Hawks the advantage heading into the halftime break.
The Buckeyes notched the equalizer in the 67th minute. Rookie Chris Hegngi earned his first career goal when he connected on a cross fired across the box by classmate Austin McAnena. Hegngi received the ball just seven yards out, sending it home over the head of Hartford keeper Nenad Cudic.
The final 23 minutes of the second period proved to be an equal battle as the Hawks put up three shots to the Buckeyes' four. Neither team found the back of the net however, sending the match into overtime. Despite holding an 8-1 advantage in the shots column in the extra periods, Hartford could not capitalize in the final minutes of the game.
For the Hawks, Cudic played his third-straight full game in net, totaling a season-high six saves while allowing one goal, the first score the Hawks have allowed in the 2009 campaign. Ryan Dalton recorded all 110 minutes in goal, making a career-high 10 saves.
The Hawks wrap-up the Penn State Classic with a Sunday afternoon match-up against the host team Nittany Lions. Kick-off is slated for 2:30 p.m.
