Spring Break
Kevin Burns Has Breakout Game
Offensive Explosion Keeps Pirates At Bay
Matt Schonvisk
Issue date: 10/9/06 Section: Sports
The 3-1 victory over Seton Hall by the men's soccer team Saturday night was more than a win for the team - it was a win for Kevin Burns as well.
As a senior, it was expected by many that Burns would be a starter throughout this season at the midfield position. His experience allowed him to start the first four of five games, but since then he has come off the bench, as freshman Mike Pezza has made his presence felt on the team.
"You just have to do your job," said Burns following the win over the Pirates.
In Saturday's win, Burns had an assist on a goal by O'Brian White, just his second of the year. He also has not scored up to this point in the season.
"Kevin did a great job to set up [White]," said head coach Ray Reid. "I thought Kevin was really good tonight. The whole bench was good."
As a sophomore in 2004, Burns was a big piece of the Huskies' midfield. He played in 19 games, while making 15 starts, scoring his first two goals in a UConn uniform and putting up two assists.
Burns finished with two goals and three assists a year ago. He started the first seven games of the 2005 season before missing a month with a foot injury. He returned later in the year to play in the last eight matches, but all appearances were off the bench.
Saturday's game was the first time Burns has seen a significant number of minutes since he was starting earlier this season.
"Kevin is a senior and that is what I expect from him every game," Reid said. "He was in the middle of every transition we had. He really changed the game tonight."
His energy sparked the Huskies' offensive attack as he could be seen calling for the ball and moving people around on the field. He also almost recorded his first goal of the season early in the second half as he missed just to the right of the cage.
"I thought the game needed to be settled down [when I came in]," Burns said. "I should have scored the goal."
Based on his play of late, Burns will see more opportunities to do so as the Huskies enter the home stretch of their schedule before tournament time.
His experience from past postseason runs should benefit the other young midfielders - Pezza, Akeem Priestley and Toni Stahl - who have not played in an environment like the Big East or NCAA Tournaments.
As a senior, it was expected by many that Burns would be a starter throughout this season at the midfield position. His experience allowed him to start the first four of five games, but since then he has come off the bench, as freshman Mike Pezza has made his presence felt on the team.
"You just have to do your job," said Burns following the win over the Pirates.
In Saturday's win, Burns had an assist on a goal by O'Brian White, just his second of the year. He also has not scored up to this point in the season.
"Kevin did a great job to set up [White]," said head coach Ray Reid. "I thought Kevin was really good tonight. The whole bench was good."
As a sophomore in 2004, Burns was a big piece of the Huskies' midfield. He played in 19 games, while making 15 starts, scoring his first two goals in a UConn uniform and putting up two assists.
Burns finished with two goals and three assists a year ago. He started the first seven games of the 2005 season before missing a month with a foot injury. He returned later in the year to play in the last eight matches, but all appearances were off the bench.
Saturday's game was the first time Burns has seen a significant number of minutes since he was starting earlier this season.
"Kevin is a senior and that is what I expect from him every game," Reid said. "He was in the middle of every transition we had. He really changed the game tonight."
His energy sparked the Huskies' offensive attack as he could be seen calling for the ball and moving people around on the field. He also almost recorded his first goal of the season early in the second half as he missed just to the right of the cage.
"I thought the game needed to be settled down [when I came in]," Burns said. "I should have scored the goal."
Based on his play of late, Burns will see more opportunities to do so as the Huskies enter the home stretch of their schedule before tournament time.
His experience from past postseason runs should benefit the other young midfielders - Pezza, Akeem Priestley and Toni Stahl - who have not played in an environment like the Big East or NCAA Tournaments.
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