Hartford Men Nip Bryant

Guarin's Late Strike Gives Hawks Road Victory

Sept. 2, 2009

SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- The University of Hartford men’s soccer team opened its 2009 campaign with a 1-0 victory against the Bryant Bulldogs Tuesday afternoon.

Senior midfielder Ivan Guarin put the only notch on the scoreboard in the 82nd minute, sinking the ball to the left side of the net past Bryant keeper Matt Miscione. Classmate Carlos Villa was credited with the assist.

“It was a typical early season match,” said Hartford assistant coach Dave Kelly. “Both teams battled hard and didn’t want to give anything away. A young, but organized Bryant made it difficult for us to impose ourselves on the match.

“(Ivan) Guarin and Sam Groves create a duo in center midfield that will cause problems, while (Carlos) Villa continues to be a threat up top.”

Hartford finished the game with a 13-7 lead in the shot column, holding just a two shot advantage over the Bulldogs heading into the halftime break. In the second half, the Hawks outshot the Bulldogs 8-4.

Bryant (0-1) looked crisp as the Bulldogs recorded seven shots and had multiple promising attempts in the opener. The first chance came in the 29th minute off an Erik Lekstrom (Worcester, Mass.) free kick which sailed just above his teammates’ heads and glanced past the right post. In the 61st minute of play, the Bulldogs sent a promising cross into the box that was also left untouched.

Another highlight for the home side was the strong play of rookie Miscione between the pipes. Miscione played tough in goal making six saves, two of which came off well-struck Hartford free kicks in the middle of the second half.

Hartford keeper Nenad Cudic picked up the victory in goal for the Hawks, making just two saves to record the shutout for the Hawks. The shutout was the fourth of his career.

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