Nov. 20, 2004

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Storrs, Conn. - The Marist men's soccer team (11-8) fell 2-1 in overtime to host Connecticut in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Saturday. Sophomore midfielder Anthony Graci scored with just 2:57 left in regulation to knot the game at 1-1, but the Huskies scored just 1:29 into the first overtime period to end the season for the Red Foxes.

After a scoreless first half, UConn forward Chukwudi Chijindu scored off a cross from senior back Stephen Arias in the 49th minute. The game remained 1-0 until UConn back Julius James was yellow-carded at the 87:03 mark. Marist senior midfielder Matt Flaherty put the free kick into the box, where MAAC Defensive Player of the Year junior back Benjamin Castor headed it forward, onto the forehead of Graci, who flicked it into the goal for his seventh score of the season.

Huskies forward Steve Sealy put a shot past Red Foxes senior goalkeeper Mike Valenti in the 92nd minute for the golden goal. Chijindu was credited with the assist. The win advanced Connecticut to the second round. The Huskies will visit 15th-seeded Boston College on Tuesday, Nov. 23.

The loss capped an otherwise glorious season for the Red Foxes, who won the MAAC championship for the second time in school history and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time.

Valenti made four saves for Marist. Huskies netminder Adam Schuerman did not make a save.