UConn men’s soccer blanked by Providence, 2-0

What a weekend for the Huskies:

Notably absent from that list is UConn men’s soccer, who opened Big East play by losing to Providence 2-0 on Sunday and now stands at 1-1 on the season.

The Friars took a 1-0 lead on a penalty kick in the 12th minute and added another goal in the 60th minute. By most accounts, the first penalty would be classified as a ... marginal foul, while the officials swallowed their whistle on a similar play when a UConn player was taken down inside Providence’s box. Senior keeper Jahmali White made five saves for the Huskies, while sophomores Ben Awashie, Moussa Wade, and junior Felix Metzler all logged two shots apiece for UConn. Freshmen Kai Griese and Giancarlo Vaccaro have impressed so far this spring and earned starts for the Huskies.

Details are scarce, but senior captain Robin Lapert had to be carried off the field with an apparent right knee injury. We’ll have more on his status later this week. If footy fans want any solace, take it in UConn alum Cyle Larin, who is currently plying his trade for second-place Besiktas in the Turkish SuperLiga. The Ontario, Canada native has been red-hot over the last 12 months, bagging 16 goals and three assists during the 2020-2021 campaign. On Friday vs. cellar-dweller Denizlispor, Lyle found the back of the net again in a 3-0 victory. Here’s hoping his stellar form nets him a bigger contract this offseason.

Up next for UConn is a Wednesday, March 3 road tilt vs. St. John’s at 5 p.m. The Red Storm are 2-1 in 2021, having dispatched St. Joe’s in their season opener before dropping points to Stony Brook last Tuesday.