Women’s Soccer Team Christens Al-Marzook Field

The newly renovated Al-Marzook Field made its official debut on Friday, Sept. 2, when the women’s soccer team played its first home game of the season, scoring a 2-0 victory over La Salle University.

It was a banner night in Hartford athletics as students, alumni and friends all gathered for the first game on the new field. Before the game, President Walter Harrison, Director of Athletics Pat Meiser-McKnett, and women’s soccer alumni passed soccer balls to current team members as a ceremonial “first kick.”

Al-Marzook Field, which is used for soccer and lacrosse, was torn up over the summer and given an all-weather turf playing surface. New bleachers were also installed.

The renovation of Al-Marzook Field marks the first completed project in the university’s Home Field Advantage campaign. The first phase of the campaign also includes the construction of an on-campus baseball field and the relocation and construction of a softball field. Those projects are scheduled to be completed in time for the Spring 2006 season.

In its second game on the new Al-Marzook Field on Sunday, the women’s soccer team lost to Fairfield University 1-0. The women will next host Siena College on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at Al-Marzook Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The men’s soccer team, under new Head Coach Dan Gaspar, will have its home opener on Tuesday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m., against the University of Massachusetts.