On this day nearly 6 years ago a 7-1 UConn team hosted a nationally ranked Northeastern program at Depot Field. The game was originally planned for Sherman Field, however a Women's Varsity game scheduled for Morrone Stadium at the same time was moved to the artificial surface of Sherman in the 11th hour due to a steady rain. This left the men's program scrambling to move their game to Depot with warmups about to begin. In those days, when Sherman first became available for team use, games at Depot Field were rare because the field surface was terrible, and the lighting sub-par. There was some obvious concern among the team to move from the comfortable confines of Sherman, to the terrible conditions of Depot for such a big game. However Head Coach Dino Mattessich injected confidence into the team "Depot Field? We'll beat them in a parking lot" he told the team prior to faceoff. To combat what was a superior Northeastern team Mattessich implemented a methodical 1-4-1 offense for the game that focused on clock management and ball control. This game plan became obvious when Justin Oliver won the faceoff, took the ball to X, and essentially stayed stationary daring Northeastern defenders to engage him. The Husky game plan, combined with a slow grass surface, steady rain, and poor lighting, was a deadly combination for the ranked Northeastern team. After the first half Northeastern held a two goal lead with a score of 6-4. Goalie Brandon Pepe, who would have 15 saves on the day, shined in the 2nd half and held Northeastern to only one more goal, while the Husky offense chipped away getting the game to 7-7 where it would be at the end of regulation. The game would ultimately go into 3 overtimes, with Northeastern easily out-shooting the Huskies, however Pepe would stop them dead in their tracks each time. Towards the end of the 3rd overtime Justin Oliver, who had 4 goals on the day, would take a hard bounce shot that would make it past the Northeastern goalie, giving UConn the W. After the game UConn Lacrosse would no longer be 'under the radar' and cracked the national polls for the first time in team history. It proved a pivotal win that established a new chapter in UConn Lacrosse history.
Many parallels can be drawn between this years program and the '06 team. Both teams had first year head coaches whom injected new confidence into a program that had disappointed in previous years. Both teams started out hot, gaining some national buzz, and had one loss to a nationally ranked program going into their NU game. And for both teams, Northeastern would prove to be a defining test for their season.
So this weekend Northeastern will again come to Depot Field, with a national ranking, to face a one loss Husky team. It is my hope that everyone that is able; alumni, parent and friend of the program, will be at this game to support the team because this Saturday, like in 2006, a win over Northeastern will confirm a new chapter of UConn Lacrosse, so let's make sure we are there to witness it.
~Alumni Day April 7th~
We are nearing 30 RSVPs for the Old Huskies Game on Saturday which is great, and I'm sure that number will continue to increase. My original plan was to have an Odd years vs. Even year graduates game, however for whatever reason the majority of those that have RSVPed graduated in odd years, so we may just pick two teams at random. Either way it will be a great time and I hope all that can come will. The weather looks amazing as well with temps in the 60s.
After the Old Huskies Game we will have a dedicated section at Red Rock Cafe for us to eat/drink prior to the Northeastern game at 7pm. Directions to Red Rock can be found here http://www.redrockcafe.net/.
For details on alumni day click here http://uconnmenslacrosse.blogspot.com/2012/03/uconn-lacrosse-announces-alumni-day.html
To RSVP for the Old Huskies Game click here
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDRDZmlZU3FEYTlvSkd4TWFmcEszTUE6MQ#gid=0
~BeanShot~
The team will be taking part in a special event this June called the BeanShot. It is being dubbed as the lacrosse version of the BeanPot. It will be a four team tournament held at Harvard Stadium on June 9th. The event is being sponsored by the Boston Cannons and MuscleMilk. We will organize some sort of alumni function in conjunction with this event so stay tuned.
BeanShot press release http://uconnmenslacrosse.blogspot.com/2012/04/uconn-to-take-part-in-inaugural-bean.html
~Fundraising~
If you can't make Alumni Day this weekend, or you do come and have a great experience, please consider giving to the program. The process is quick and easy and more information on giving can be found at this link, http://uconnmenslacrosse.blogspot.com/2009/11/support.html. Coach Scordato is always available to answer your questions related to donations paulscordato@gmail.com.
~Golf Outing~
Brandon Pepe is exploring possibly organizing a golf outing this summer. This is in its earliest phases but if you want to assist with organization, or have some suggestions for the event, please contact Brandon at brandon.pepe@gmail.com.
See everyone Saturday
