St. John’s soccer sweeps series vs. UConn in much needed victory
The St. John’s Soccer team got a much needed win on the road against UConn.
The St. John’s soccer team walked into Storrs, Connecticut on Saturday desperately needing a win after a poor conference season so far.
Coming into the game at 2-4 in Big East play, fourth in the standings, and four games left in the season the Red Storm desperately needed a win.
They already needed a victory against Seton Hall at home last Wednesday and didn’t get it, so a loss to UConn would’ve meant a definite end to contending for anything this season.
The game between the Red Storm and the Huskies was scrappy and physical, carrying over from the final 20 minutes of the first encounter between the two as the Huskies would go down to 10 men late on.
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The Red Storm won this game by a score of 1-0, marking the fourth conference game decided by just one goal for St. John’s this season.
Connecticut started on the front foot as they had several attempts on goal to open up the scoring.
The Huskies had a golden chance to do so in the 21st minute when a penalty was called against the Red Storm, but goalie Luka Gavran stepped up and saved the spot kick to keep the game scoreless.
The Red Storm would be issued a spot kick of their own in the 33rd minute and midfielder Einar Lye would slot it home for the Johnnies in what would ultimately be the game-winning goal.
UConn defender Josh Morgan would be sent off on the play and Connecticut would finish the game with a man down, just like the first meeting.
Both teams would have chances in the second half to find the back to the net but both goalies made several saves in order to keep the lead at one for St. John’s.
The Red Storm had the best chance of the second frame to seal the game in the 87th minute, but forward Josiah Crawford would be denied by the post.
St. John’s soccer must continue to stack victories
The win moves St. John’s back over .500 overall on the season to 5-4 and 3-4 in Big East play.
The Red Storm currently sit in 4th place in the East Division standings with Georgetown and Seton Hall occupying the top two spots with four wins a piece.
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St. John’s will probably have to win their final three games of the regular season in order to have a chance of getting into the top two spots in the division which sends those teams into the Big East Tournament or to even get to the NCAA Tournament.
The Red Storm will next take on Villanova on Saturday on the road at 3:30pm EST looking to avenge a tight 1-0 overtime loss to the Wildcats back on March 6 at Belson Stadium.