We got our spring season officially under way today with a home game against the Utah State Aggies. And on a sunny but cold day, we fell to our in-state rivals, 2-1. It was a close and hard-fought game. Both teams looked a bit rusty as it was the first time playing outside since the end of last season.
Utah State opened the scoring in the 24th minute as Jessica Williams pounced on a rebound after a long shot was tipped off the post by Ute goal keeper, Emalee Rogers.
We fought back and played our best stretch of the game over the next twenty minutes. And we were rewarded with a goal in the 42nd minute....Lauren Hair played a 1-2 on the right wing with Chelsea Card. Lauren proceeded to turn the corner and slot the ball across the face of the goal, where new Ute midfielder, Katie Brower, put it in the net. Katie is the sister of former Utah great Amber Brower. She transferred in from Utah State at semester.
The second half was a bit choppy as players from both teams seemed to tire and the field got a bit softer. The Aggies got the game-winner in the 65th minute when Syndey Porter hit a bullet from 35 yards that bulged the back of the net. After an Aggie corner kick was cleared out, Porter latched onto the ball and sent a rope into the net.
We tried to rally late, but were unable to crack the Aggie defense. The spring games are played with an emphasis on development and we got an opportunity to test ourselves against a good opponent. We will take the lessons from today's game and try to improve as we head into our big South America trip.
We have been working hard on our speed of play...trying to move the ball quickly and cleanly...and did not perform well in that area today...but we have some good information and, as always, will hit the training field hard next week. Overall, it was great to get out and compete.
Thanks to all the fans and friends that came out to the game today...
It was great to see you and hear the cheers again!
Posts
