The UConn Blog - Gameday Coverage: NCAA Men's Soccer Tournament Sweet 16: UConn vs. UCLA, 8pm ETEscalators are for cowards.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49593/uconn-fav.png2013-12-01T19:01:39-05:00http://www.theuconnblog.com/rss/stream/49272832013-12-01T19:01:39-05:002013-12-01T19:01:39-05:00The Open Thread: UConn at #1 UCLA
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<p>The Huskies are in LA for the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men's Soccer Tournament</p> <p>This is a huge day for UConn athletics, a real opportunity to make a statement.</p>
<p>Our nationally ranked Men's Soccer team, coming off a big shootout win against UMBC last weekend, is in LA for a Sweet Sixteen match-up against the top ranked team in the country: The UCLA Bruins.</p>
<p>It will no doubt take a Herculean effort by the Huskies to beat the highly favored Bruins, but I believe. It's been a great year so far for UConn sports- going back to the unlikely Big East Baseball Championship to the dominance of the Field Hockey team winning the Big East and National Championships, oh and Women's B-ball winning it all, we have some positive mojo going our way. UConn has one of the best goalie's in the country, and a roster littered with pro-level talent. In the college game, anything can happen, and let's hope the Huskies come out motivated, set the tone early, and convert on corner kicks and free kicks in good position.</p>
<p>We have yet to find a place where the game is streaming, but will do our best to keep you updated on that front. Otherwise, you can listen in on 91.7 WHUS or follow us @TheUConnBlog, where our own Jonathan Restivo will be keeping you up to date on the action live from Drake Stadium.</p>
<p>This is The Open Thread folks, and post here if you find the game streaming. If we don't fine one... I blame Mike Aresco.</p>
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<p>GO HUSKIES!</p>
https://www.theuconnblog.com/2013/12/1/5163204/the-open-thread-uconn-at-uclaAman Kidwai2013-12-01T12:32:50-05:002013-12-01T12:32:50-05:00Gameday Preview: UConn vs. UCLA
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<p>Men's Soccer takes on the #1 seeded Bruins in Los Angeles</p> <p>After finally coming out on top of a penalty shootout after years of heartbreak, UConn's reward is a trip across the country to take on #1 seed UCLA in a game that many circled as a must-see as soon as the NCAA tournament brackets were announced.</p>
<p>Both teams appear to be getting hot at just the right time. For UConn, the Huskies have not lost in regulation since September and are on a 16 game unbeaten streak, outscoring opponents 30-10 over that stretch. UConn has been lead by freshman Cyle Larin, who has 12 goals on the season so far. Goalkeeper Andre Blake, a junior, has been terrific in the net again this season, currently 7th in the country in goals against average and tallying 10 shutouts on the season.</p>
<p>For UCLA, their record currently stands at 12-3-4, and boast wins against #2 Washington, #4 Cal, and #10 UCSB. In their last 5 games, all wins, the Bruins outscored opponents 13-3. UCLA has leaned on forward Victor Chavez and midfielder Leo Stolz, who have 8 and 9 goals respectively on the season. Earl Edwards Jr. mans between the sticks for the Bruins and has seven clean sheets on the season.</p>
<p>To pull the upset, UConn will depend on its defense and counter attack, something they've been better about of late as the team rounds into form after a number of injuries during the heart of the season. The build up in the middle has been orchestrated by Larin and junior Adria Beso, with senior Mamadou Diouf up top with a great ability to hold up play and create chances. Diouf is lethal in the air on corners and set pieces and will look to break free from the UCLA defense and finish at the net in his last tournament run as a Husky.</p>
<p>A strong UConn LA Alumni contingent should be in force at Drake Stadium to cheer on the Huskies as they try to play the Cinderella role of the tourney and break through to the quarterfinals. For everyone else, the match will be broadcast on 91.7 WHUS, game time 8pm EST.</p>
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