The University of Conneticut Huskies defeated the New Mexicos Lobos 2-1 in double overtime of their NCAA tournament third round match to get a birth to the elite eight round. Freshman Nicolas Zuniga's first goal of his collegiate career came at the right time, as he scored the golden goal for the Huskies. Devon Sandoval (NM) and Mamadou Diouf (CT) goals cancelled each other out before the Freshman's winner. UCONN will host Creighton on Sunday in the quarterfinals of the College Cup.
UCONN Huskies
Max Wasserman (Senior, Right Back, #22): The senior RB did all he could to keep his college career going. He made a game-saving tackle in the second half to keep the Lobos from going up 2-0. Then he served up the cross that was converted by Diouf. Did a decent job against New Mexico's Left Winger Blake Smith. And he also occupied the right wing in attack, had the work rate and the energy to do both jobs well. He has good control on the ball and is composed. He can whip in decent crosses, the Huskies could have scored a couple of times off his services. This performance along with getting further along the tournament will take him far, at least get him into the Combine.
Carlos Alvarez (Senior, Attacking CM, #10): Their most creative player in midfield. Likes to take set pieces. He didn't get too much going, but his touch and control was decent nevertheless. He checked deep into the midfield to start the attacks once he found it frustrating to join the attack from further up. At times, a bit selfish, but has good vision.
George Fochive (Junior, Defensive CM, #9): The Frenchman worked hard during Sunday's match, breaking up plays and making great tackles. Also showed he had the ability to switch fields with a long ball. Can cover tons of ground along the back-four and will take the place of a member of the back four when necessary.
New Mexico Lobos
Blake Smith (Senior, Left Midfield, #23): Blake is a very quick and talented midfielder. He didn't have the most freedom that he's probably had in many games this season. However you can tell he has what it takes to be a first round draft pick in the MLS. He's quick, good on the ball, and has very good vision. I saw him play this beautiful ball into the path of an attacker. He didn't have the same effectiveness during the later portions of the match. Quick player who has terrific vision, has a good left peg.
Devon Sandoval (Senior, Striker, #9) He scored his team's first goal. He was the first to the loose ball in the box. The player isn't the faster but he's strong and persistent. His touch was okay. Didn't show me great movement. He would at least project as a striker but I don't know how good he would be in the MLS. Seems like he doesn't have the technical ability to, but it was only one game I saw him in
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