Weekly Update

The weekend was a 'grinder' but our team did a commendable job walking away with two big wins. Sunday's win, although not the Utes best performance, was special in other ways. Fifth year Senior Jen Christoffers and Junior Erin Dalley were the goal scorers of the game yesterday afternoon...both of these forwards are coming off of long recoveries from knee surgeries so it was great for them to mark their progress with some game winning goals. Not to mention....they are also roomies! Here's what they had to say:

This week continues to be a busy one for the team. Utah will host Weber State this Wednesday, September 2 at 7:30pm. For updated rankings, game information, and scouting reports check out utahutes.com.

Keep following the blog for behind the scenes pictures, video footage, stories, and highlights from the latest games! Go Utes!

Utes Beat Cal Poly, Record Moves to 4-0

The University of Utah Women's Soccer team defeated Cal Poly in a hot, somewhat 'sloppy' game this afternoon. The final score was 2-0, with Jen Christoffers and Erin Dalley both returning off of injuries and posting their first goals of the season. Being the second game of a difficult weekend and a very quick turn around for the Utes, the play was not necessarily ideal, but we absolutely got the job done. The Utes are now 4-0 this season...off to a great start and still hungry for improvement and further success.

Below are some post-game interviews from Jen Christoffers (regarding her goal and the team's play) and Lauren Porter (discussing the solid play of the young defense so far).

For a link to all of the post-game audio (interviews) check out this link to our ItunesU account. Thanks to all of our fans for their great support this weekend. See you Wednesday night as we take on in-state rivalry, Weber State! Details and special features to follow.

Utes take on Cal Poly

Less than 48 hours after a huge win over Santa Clara, the Utah Soccer team will be lacing up their cleats once again to take on Cal Poly this afternoon. Cal Poly is a strong team who is coming off a 2-1 loss to No. 4 Stanford in their first game. This afternoon's match will definitely prove to be a close one, as the Utes look to become 4-0 on the season while the Mustangs will be fighting hard to get the win. Check out utahutes.com for the official press release on the game.

The game will kick off at 1:00pm at Ute Field this afternoon. See you there!

UTES BEAT SANTA CLARA

Our Utah Utes fought past SCU and came away with a 1-0 victory. Santa Clara came into the game with a national ranking of 19...but our team paid the jerseys and the ranking no attention. Kelly Isleib came up huge with her third goal in just three games...she hit a bending free kick around the wall and past the goal keeper. The goal came from 20 yards out about 20 minutes into the first half. From then on, the Utes battled their way to the victory showing great defensive composure and offensive skill as they solidified the win.

Thank you to all of our fans (over 1300!) who came out to support us. We had perhaps our biggest 'tunnel' ever after the game and many people were able to receive autographs! (Kelly even signed a basketball!)

Don't forget to meet back at Ute Field Sunday afternoon as the Utes look to become 4-0 on the season vs. Cal Poly.

Check out utahutes.com for a detailed account of the game, quotes from players and coaches, and the official game stats.

Utah vs. Santa Clara

It's already that time of the week again...the big game is just a little more than 24 hours away and we couldn't be more excited!

Before we give you details about the game, first some big news from the team: the 2009 Captains have been selected. The captains are chosen based upon team votes and for this 2009 season, the players chose: Senior Kelly Isleib, Senior Emalee Rogers, Junior Lauren Hair, and Sophomore Lauren Porter. We look forward to these captains as well as all of the upper class members leading the team to a successful year!

Hosting Santa Clara University at Ute Field is a great honor as they are a traditional women's soccer powerhouse. The Utes can't wait to get out on the field along side them and showcase their own talents for their home crowd. Both teams are 2-0 coming into the game and without doubt this will be a very close, competitive early season match.

A few members of our team have some ties with Santa Clara. Coach Rich Manning began his career in women's college soccer at SCU before accepting the head coaching job here at the U. Coach Manning was a part of the Santa Clara staff from 1998-2001 first as an assistant coach and then as an associate head coach. Rich helped the Broncos appear in 4 NCAA tournaments, 3 NCAA College Cups, and also led them to the 2001 National Championship. Oh...and did we mention Rich played for the Santa Clara Men's Soccer Team in college?? Needless to say, Manning has some strong ties lying in Santa Clara....which makes the rivalry of tomorrow night even stronger.

Junior defender Morgan Skeen, Senior goal keeper Emalee Rogers, and Sophomore midfielder Katie Martinez also have some connections with the Broncos in knowing players who have been former teammates throughout the years. All of these factors are going to make for a great competitive atmosphere!

Important for tomorrow night:

Please plan on arriving early to the game. Our Utah Volleyball Team also has a big match tomorrow night that begins at 7 so the parking lot will be crowded. Feel free to catch the first part of their match and cheer on some fellow Utes! (Located near the field in the HPER gymnasium). Also, there will be big inflatables for kids of all ages to play on before the game!

Lastly, plan on sticking around after the game for a great FIREWORKS display!! Don't forget....wear your red and cheer loud, let's help our Utes stay undefeated!!

Utes Host Santa Clara This Friday

The Utes will take on No. 22 Santa Clara this friday night at Ute Field. Both teams are currently 2-0 this season and the game promises to be a hard fought one. For a full press release about the exciting home game, visit our official website. Also check back with our blog later this week for a detailed Game Guide for the big night.

Other news includes Utah receiving votes this week in the Soccertimes.com Top 25 Coaches' Poll. Regarding this national recognition, Coach Manning comments, "I'm sure in time that with the schedule we are playing, if we continue to do well, we can crack the top 25."

Last but not least, check out Episode #1 of Ute Insider for an exclusive interview with Coach Rich Manning!

Be sure to keep up with us here on the blog, our official website, twitter, and facebook to stay posted on the latest news, events, and promotions each day! Go Utes!

Utes Defeat CS Fullerton

In a hot, physical game Sunday afternoon, the Utes were able to grind through their game in Southern California and come out on top with a 3-1 victory. Wins on the road are tough to come by and are great boosters for potential rankings. Getting the Utes on the scoreboard were Kelly Isleib, Chelsea Forbes, and Hanna Terry; Lauren Hair and Kellie Woodfield were credited with some great assists. These were the second goals for both Isleib and Forbes in just the first two games of the season. This win put the Utes at a solid 2-0 record to start the season; players and coaches alike are excited to be winning and gaining momentum as they continue through pre-season. Chelsea Forbes commented, "It is so great to get the season started like this...now we are looking ahead to the next game and hopefully we can keep winning." 

For the full game recap and stats from the game, please visit utahutes.com

This friday night the Utes will be hosting a traditional women's soccer powerhouse, Santa Clara University. Regarding this next game, Hair stated "They are always a good team but we know we can play with them. We have to prepare well this week with intense practices." 

Stay tuned for more details about this exciting upcoming match!