On Tuesday, October 7th, the University's varsity Rocket League team faced off against the University of North Carolina Greensboro. In a match for the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), they brought home a win in a hard fought 3-2 fashion.

The varsity team is a trio captained by Glenn "Auryx" Scott, featuring Declan "PunkinLad' McGrellis and Alexander "RealAceMyName" O'Neal. So far it's been a strong season for the team as they went into the match boasting a 3-0 game record in NACE matches.

Beginning the game, UNH was hot right out of the gate, scoring their first point within thirty seconds. But both teams showed lots of aggression as UNCG answered back with two goals of their own within the next minute. Carrying possession of the ball, there were a few shots on goal made by Auryx that were closely blocked. His opponents weren't able to hold him back for long as the captain proved his skill, tying up the game with a shot that brute forced through two defenders into goal. A slip by UNCG left the ball open and PunkinLad was quick to capitalize, scoring a beautiful double tap from backfield to steal the lead. Taking another favorable kickoff, UNH players were nonstop on the pressure, letting RealAcemyname get his second goal not even twenty seconds later. Game one ended 4 to 2, giving New Haven the first point up.

Game two carried on that nonstop pressure from both sides in a tough stalemate through the first minute. UNCG was first to take point this time as they managed to slip a pass through the varsity team's defenses. After another minute of gameplay, neither team wanting to give up a goal, PunkinLad was able to sneak through defenses as the ball was passed mid and tapped it in. Things started to look tough as the opponents managed to score two more goals, leaving UNH two goals down with two minutes remaining on the clock. Getting too aggressive with their lead, UNCG over-committed, allowing PunkinLad to punish as he swept by them to score. The final two minutes of the game remained tense as the players all fought hard to win. With only fifteen seconds remaining on the clock, PunkinLad was once again able to score, dunking the ball in the net, tying the game up and bringing it to overtime. Many shots were taken and blocked, but just under two minutes into overtime, Auryx found an opening to take a shot from mid and made a clean goal to take the game win. Ending 4 to 3, UNH was two points up.

UNCG wasn't set on losing easy though as they stepped up to give our varsity team a hard fought series. Opening on game three was a near immediate score for our opponents. Not to go unanswered, Auryx dunked a goal of his own not long after. Remaining neck and neck for two minutes of aggression and strong defense on both ends, one of the opposing players managed to sneak a goal in to take the lead. With a third goal taken by UNCG, PunkinLad refused to go down easy, scoring in the last few seconds of the game. The chance to push the game into overtime was unfortunately shut down by an unlucky kickoff, giving our opponents their first series point.

Game four started tense as neither side wanted to give up ground in the first two minutes, passing control of the ball back and forth as well as a few missed shots made. Auryx took the lead for UNH with a goal that sent their opponents off balance, but UNCG was quick to make a recovery and tie the game up. RealAcemyname made an incredible play to break through the enemy defenses, taking the ball across the field solo to score. In the last thirty seconds, the opponent managed to score, pushing the game into overtime where after a grueling three and a half minutes of overtime, UNCG won the game. This left both teams even at two points each, bringing the series to its final tie breaker game.

The fifth game was intense as victory was within the grasp of either side. UNH needed to close what had been an early lead before UNCG pulled a reverse sweep on them. As the game started, it was apparent that both teams were going all out. New Haven took the first point as Auryx made a perfect pass to PunkinLad, securing the goal. Seemingly determined to go home with the win, PunkinLad was quick to score again, sinking the ball into the net for a two point lead. In another clean cross by RealAcemyname, the varsity team was looking unstoppable as PunkinLad scored a third time. With one final goal by Auryx, UNH was able to close out the game in dominant fashion with a 4 to 0 score. 

Much deserved, the varsity team took the series win over UNCG 3-2, keeping their flawless NACE run alive. They proved themselves a force to be reckoned with, touting impressive plays from each individual while also showing off a level of teamwork that makes them indomitable. We wish them continued luck in their games.

If you are interested in any of our several titles, come support our teams by catching a live stream on the University of New Haven's Twitch channel. VODS of the games, for those who aren't able to catch them live, can be found on the YouTube channel. Weekly game schedules will be posted on Instagram and also posted on the window of The Stable. Go Chargers!