Both games were played over 70 minutes...we fell to BYU, 2-1 in the opener. The Cougars got out to a 2-0 halftime lead and were able to hold on despite a late goal by Lauren Hair. The match was marked by the return to play of Hannah Turpen (injured late in the fall season), Erin Dalley (surgery last summer), Katie Martinez and Anne Shallenberger (off-season surgeries). After about 10 minutes of feeling each other out, the Cougars opened the scoring when Lauren Anderson got behind the defense and pushed it past Hannah. The goal seemed to rattle us as well as energize BYU and the next 25 minutes or so were not so great for the Utes...we didn't insist on keeping the ball and lost our composure a bit....The Cougars doubled the lead when Jennie Marshall slammed home a shot from close range...
The second half was a bit better as the Utes kept the ball and were able to create a few more chances...with Dalley and Kellie Woodfield having shots from close range saved. "La La" pulled one back with 5 minutes left when she dribbled around the corner on the right side of the BYU goal and hit a shot that the goal keeper let slip through her hands...but we could not get the equalizer.
The second game against UNLV ended in a 0-0 tie. We played some good soccer and had some chances to score in the first half. The Rebels turned it on in the final 10 minutes and were unlucky not to get the game-winner with a breakaway and a great chance on a corner kick...we seemed to tire at the end. The game marked the debut of goal keeper Shay Kennedy, who red-shirted in the fall. Shay was composed and played very well in getting the shutout.
Overall some good soccer and great feedback. We need to shore up a few things in the back...and work harder to get more people involved in the attack...
Next up, Utah State this Wednesday at 7:00 PM at Ute Field...we got some snow today, so we'll keep you posted on any changes.
Posts
