STORRS, CONNECTICUT — #13 UConn outlasted Cornell 3-1 on Sunday in an NCAA Division I tournament clash, with Austin Brummett's two-goal performance leading the Huskies past the visiting Big Red in front of 2,048 fans at Morrone Stadium. The victory showcased UConn's attacking depth and resilience after a disappointing loss to Georgetown in the Big East Championship just a week prior.
Brummett opened the scoring in the 42nd minute, assisted by Charlie Holmes and Balthazar Saunders, giving UConn a 1-0 lead heading into the final stretch of the first half. Cornell responded quickly, with Connor Miller equalizing just before halftime off an assist from Aidan Martin in the 36th minute. The tie held through the break, setting up a tightly contested second half where both teams pressed for the decisive advantage.
The match shifted decisively in UConn's favor early in the second half. Brummett struck again in the 45th minute—just moments after the restart—to restore the Huskies' lead at 2-1. The quick strike proved the turning point, as Cornell struggled to regain its footing despite sustained pressure. Alex Tupay sealed the result with a third UConn goal in the 77th minute, assisted by Evan Pickering and Ayoub Lajhar, putting the match beyond reach.
Cornell dominated possession and created numerous opportunities throughout, outshooting UConn 31-9 overall and 8-5 on target. The Big Red also earned 15 corner kicks compared to just two for the Huskies, reflecting their territorial control. Yet clinical finishing eluded them when it mattered most. UConn goalkeeper made seven saves to preserve the victory, while Cornell's keeper recorded two stops in a losing effort.
The first half unfolded as a cagey affair with both teams feeling each other out. Cornell pressed early and often, with Westin Carnevale, Adam Schaban, and Dominik Kolbl testing UConn's defense through the opening 20 minutes. UConn countered with dangerous moments of their own, with Austin Brummett and Balthazar Saunders creating problems in transition. The breakthrough came when UConn capitalized on their chances, with Brummett's finish providing the edge that would ultimately prove decisive.
After the interval, UConn's substitutions and tactical adjustments paid immediate dividends. The Huskies' attacking shape became more dangerous, and Brummett's second goal—arriving within seconds of the restart—shifted momentum decisively. Cornell continued to press and create openings, with Blake Donahue and Griffin Eck generating chances late, but UConn's defense tightened when necessary. The home side's ability to absorb pressure and strike on the break highlighted their tournament readiness.
Brummett's two-goal performance anchored UConn's attack, while Tupay's insurance goal in the final stages provided breathing room. For Cornell, Miller's equalizer represented their best chance to stay in the match, but the Big Red couldn't find the clinical edge needed against a UConn side that converted when opportunities presented themselves. The yellow card count—five for UConn and two for Cornell—reflected the intensity and occasional frustration as the match progressed.
The victory demonstrates UConn's attacking prowess and composure under tournament pressure, bouncing back from their Big East Championship loss with a convincing performance. Cornell, despite their superior possession and shot volume, couldn't overcome their finishing struggles against a UConn side that made the most of limited opportunities. The Huskies' ability to score quickly after halftime and maintain their advantage showcased the depth and resilience required to advance in NCAA tournament competition. UConn now plays Maryland who beat UNC.