This has been a year of records for the Utah soccer team.
Senior Amy Kofoed has broken several, including the mark for career goals scored. The Utes are in control of their own destiny to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in their history. And Saturday’s 2-1 win against the Air Force Academy gives Utah its first-ever undefeated season at home, completing a perfect 7-0 home record.
In their home finale, the Utes fought off an aggressive Falcon squad and walked away with the victory.
The win gives the Utes a surge of momentum going into their final week of the regular season on the road against Utah State and BYU.
Shauna Gurr-Bingham scored four goals in the three-game homestand and scored in every game.
Gurr-Bingham got the Utes on the board first, 14 minutes into the game, when she stole the ball deep in Falcon territory and shot it over the outstretched hands of Air Force goalkeeper Jennifer Monson, giving the Utes a 1-0 lead at the half.
In the latter 45 minutes, it was more physical play, as the Falcons were charged with 15 fouls in the second half alone. They were also charged with three yellow cards to Utah’s one.
“This is the first time that we’ve stood up well to a physical team,” said Ute coach Amy Winslow.
Five minutes into the second half, Katie Tate gave Utah a two- goal cushion when she outran Falcon defenders to the ball in the corner, got past three more defenders and put the ball past Monson.
Air Force kept things interesting when it scored with less than five minutes to play.
But Utah’s defense kept the ball away from the net for the rest of the game and got the victory.
Utah’s defense was tremendous again, allowing Air Force only 8 shots, 4 of them on-goal. Falcon freshman sensation and two-time Mountain West Player of the Week Jennifer Rowland was nearly shut down, as she was allowed only one shot on-goal and nothing else.
The Utes are now 9-5 overall, 3-2 in conference play, and are in control of their own destiny going into two in-state rivalries.
For the final time, Ute seniors Amy Kofoed, Alli Cerruti and Lesa Zollinger played at Ute Field. The three were honored before the game.
“This is probably the best senior class that we’ve graduated. I can’t say enough [about our seniors],” Winslow said.
“It’s flattering that she would say that,” Zollinger said. “The three of us worked really hard while we were here and contributed to the team.”
Winslow commented on each senior, saying how each was instrumental in starting the Utah soccer program.
“Not only did they keep a standard, but they set the bar higher,” said Ute assistant Jim Winslow. He said finding that type of player is the hardest part of recruiting.
“It was hard for me, but it was a good way for me to end my career,” Cerruti said. “This is the best team I’ve played with since I’ve been here.”