Young Utes Learning About "Road Rules"

The Washington Huskies took it to us last night, 3-0. You can read more about the game here.
It may seem hard to believe, but the game was closer than the score and statistics indicate. We were out shot (19-3)...and gave up 14 corner kicks (way too many)...We did play with great confidence on the ball and played one of our better games between the boxes...However, the game is not decided in the middle part of the field but around penalty boxes. And we clearly we outplayed there. Two of the goals were on corner kicks...And the other was scored just 47 seconds after the first one...

One of the lessons we must learn is that winning on the road takes tremendous concentration, effort and execution. There are more factors involved than just enduring travel weariness. The Huskies were fired up last night...playing at home in front of an excited crowd. They are having their best season in several years and the players are brimming with confidence. We needed to match their energy and couldn't do it for long enough stretches. We also have to be prepared to tough calls from the refs, different field conditions than we are used to, and even some heckling from the fans. All of these challenges require your best to overcome...and although we played okay at times...it was not near enough for us to win the game, especially near both goals.

We have played 6 road games so far (1-4-1 record) and have yet to find the right mindset for consistent success. When we play at Ute Field our energy level and commitment have been very good...tomorrow, with our game against Cal Poly, we will have another chance to see if we can give that little bit extra to carry us through...Kickoff is at 1 PM Pacific Time.