SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. – UConn scored twice in the final 15 minutes to overcome a second-half deficit and defeat Seton Hall 2-1 on Saturday evening at Owen T. Carroll Field, eliminating the Pirates from Big East Tournament contention before 361 spectators.
The opening half featured cautious play from both sides. Seton Hall controlled possession for extended stretches, but UConn's compact defensive shape limited clear opportunities. Austin Brummett forced Seton Hall goalkeeper Xavier Smeets into a save in the 28th minute, while Samantha Erbach tested UConn keeper Thibaut Lecomte early. The teams reached halftime scoreless.
Seton Hall broke through in the 73rd minute when Hugo Gerbore delivered a dangerous free kick into the UConn penalty area. Konstantin Donalies rose above his marker to power a header past Lecomte, marking his first goal of the season and sending the home crowd into celebration. Gerbore's assist was his third of the campaign, a new single-season career high.
UConn responded immediately with attacking substitutions. The equalizer arrived in the 77th minute when Sabri Hanni found Brummett with a precise through ball. Brummett slotted calmly past Smeets to level the match at 1-1, shifting momentum decisively toward the visitors.
Just three minutes later, UConn completed the comeback. Max Gummesson converted Evan Pickering's cross in the 80th minute to give the Huskies their first lead. The goal stunned the home supporters and left Seton Hall chasing an equalizer they couldn't find.
Despite outshooting UConn 12-9 and winning four corners to the Huskies' one, Seton Hall couldn't capitalize on their statistical advantage. Clinical finishing proved the difference as both goalkeepers made two saves.
The defeat carried crushing implications for Seton Hall (7-3-7, 3-1-4 Big East), eliminating them from Big East Tournament contention for the first time since 2021. The Pirates now face an anxious wait until Selection Monday on November 18 to learn if they'll receive an NCAA Tournament at-large bid.
UConn (10-3-4, 5-2-1 Big East) demonstrated championship composure, refusing to panic after falling behind and trusting their quality to break through. The victory strengthened the Huskies' Big East position and extended their recent resurgence.
Standout Performers: Brummett scored the crucial equalizer for UConn, while Donalies gave Seton Hall hope with his first goal of the season before Gummesson's winner completed the comeback.