So far, it’s been a perfect marriage. The creative ball skills of Alan Ponce matched with the possession-oriented equal-opportunity offense employed by the Connecticut Huskies.

Since Ponce transferred from Rio Hondo Community College this year for his junior season, it’s been holy matrimony to the tune of a 5-2-2 record (4-1 in the Big East) after Saturday’s win against the ranked Georgetown Hoyas (20th in our ranking).

Ponce, a California native and Arsenal FC product, has had a major hand in the team’s success, as he’s second on the team in goals (2) and points (6) through nine games, something he didn’t necessarily anticipate.

“Before I transferred here the program was really interested in me and told me that I would fit well into their style,” Ponce said. “They were right – this isn’t the typical East team that plays the long ball; there are a lot of quick one and two (touches) and that really fits well with my style.”

In UConn’s attack, Ponce generally finds himself as the lone forward, with talented Southern California freshman Carlos Alvarez behind him in the midfield  At first arrival, Ponce assumed he may start the year on the bench and have to work his way into the lineup; so far he has started every game.

Ponce credits the familiar system for his seamless transition, not to mention a diligent offseason that included playing Premier Development League soccer for the Orange County Blue Star. Ponce was a valuable member of a team that qualified for the U.S. Open Cup, and playing in the competitive PDL allowed him to stay sharp throughout the year.

“Playing for the Blue Star really helped me,” Ponce said. “We worked really hard under (Blue Star) coach Jon Spencer, and it was valuable soccer for me.”

Spencer is quick to point out the value Ponce brought to the team.

“He has all the tools. He has excellent skill, he’s creative and he has great finishing ability,” Spencer said. “He’s a very good kid and I enjoyed having him on our team. His success is a tribute not only to his skill, but to his determination and the way he approaches the game.”

Despite his emergence on the D-I scene, there are still a few adjustments Ponce has had to make. For starters, UConn is a much grander operation than was Rio Hondo CC, starting with the 4,000 plus fans who pack the stadium for home games. In the Big East, every match is a big one that can’t afford temporary lapses.

If Ponce hasn’t learned that by now, he has no-nonsense coach Ray Reid to remind him of it every day. Reid’s direct coaching style has been another adjustment Ponce is making with humility and humor.

“He’s a tough guy, really demanding,” Ponce said. “I had to learn not to take it personally, but as motivation. It makes me tougher and makes me want to keep performing well. I think it’s good.”