The Utah soccer team has a very important match-up this weekend at BYU. It will determine the champion of the Mountain West Conference. However, the Utes must face a tough game against in state rival Utah State today in Logan.
The Aggies do not have the record BYU does. They are not even in the Mountain West Conference. The game has no influence on the conference championship, but the Utes are not taking the game lightly.
“We have to be careful not to let the fact that the BYU game is for the conference title overshadow the importance of the Utah State game,” said coach Amy Winslow. “That is the key this week?one game at a time.”
At 6-9-1, the Aggies are a tough away game. USU is .500 at Tower Field in Logan. They recently beat Pacific in Logan 1-0, before falling to Cal-State Northridge 2-0.
Utah is excited for a big week of soccer. This game is the first of two that marks the end of the regular season for the Utes. A regular season which records, both team and individual, have been matched or beaten.
“It’s an in-state rival, so we know it’s going to be a good game. We’re not overlooking it at all,” said Ute senior defender Lesa Zollinger. Zollinger is from Millville, Utah, close to Logan, and is excited to go home.
“I know nothing about Utah State, but I feel confident that we can handle business.” said Ute freshman Lauren Field.
Coming off a three-game home stand which led to three straight wins gives Utah confidence for the road, something they need.
Utah has dropped its last three games away from home. The last time Utah won on the road was September 23 against Miami (OH), when the Utes trounced the Redhawks 3-0. The Utes are 2-5 on the road and in need of a victory heading into the game against BYU.
“We’re due for a win on the road,” said Winslow. “We’ve just got to gut it out and get up, be ready to play 90 minutes and put the game away.”
The game is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at Tower Field on the northeast side of Utah State.