There was a capacity crowd on hand Friday night to witness Utah snap its four-game losing streak to northern rival Utah State.
Utah has had considerable success against the Aggies in the past, winning 10 of the 11 matchups between the two schools. That success continued this weekend with a 2-0 win at Ute field.
In front of a school-record crowd of 1,347 that attacking midfielder Kelly Isleib described as “one of the biggest home crowds I have seen since I have been here,” the Utes took care of business, and did so in a convincing fashion. Not only was it Utah’s first home win of the season, but it was also Emalee Rogers first shutout on the year as well. With the win, the Utes prevented losing their third home game of 2008.
After an opening half where Utah managed to get off 13 shots, none of which found the back of the net, the Utes came out in full attack to start the second half. It wasn’t until the 65th minute when Isleib put the Utes ahead for good.
After receiving the ball at midfield, Isleib was able to make defenders miss as she made her way into the penalty box before ripping a left foot shot past Aggie goalie Ali Griffin. It was Isleib’s team-leading fourth goal of the season. Isleib has had the game-winning goal in each of Utah’s two wins.
“I have been looking for the goal a lot more this year,” Isleib said. “I have been able to get a lot more involved in the offense. Once Morgan (Skeen) scored the second, it felt really good to be up two goals for the first time all year.”
The game was put out of reach for the Aggies once Skeen, a sophomore defender, made her way forward into the attacking zone from her right back position to put the Utes up 2-0 with 15 minutes to play. It was Skeen’s first career goal.
“We came out with an aggressive and determined mindset,” said head coach Rich Manning. “We played good soccer and it was a very enjoyable evening in front of a great crowd. We take a lot of pride in our performances here at Ute Field.”
Utah dominated every facet of the game from the opening whistle. The Utes held an advantage in shots taken, taking 25 shots8212;15 more shots than the Aggies8212;seven of which were on target.
“Both of our goals tonight came from putting pressure on the other team,” Manning said. “We got good pressure on them all night and we earned that. When Kelly (Isleib) can dribble into space like that, she is very dangerous.”
The Utes followed up their victory Sunday with a scoreless tie in Los Angeles when they faced off with the Lions of Loloya Marymount. Utah was credited with its first tie of the season after the hard-fought game, which was the Utes’ fourth overtime game of the year.
“I was really pleased with the way we played today,” said Manning. “We came out with energy, and put forth a good effort.”
Although Utah was unable to come away with the win, keeper Rogers was credited with her second straight shutout. Rogers hasn’t been scored on since the Oregon State game a week ago.
“We are always happy to earn a shutout,” Rogers said. “The defense in front of me has been playing awesome. Lauren (Porter) and Lauren (Dudley) are communicating very well with our midfielders to make sure we aren’t getting caught out of position. Morgan (Skeen) and Nicole (Cardon) are doing a great job of reading the plays, getting forward, and giving us more options on the attack. I think it is really coming together.”
Rogers and the Utes will look to the keep the shutout streak alive Friday when they take the field against Long Beach State. The game will be held at Ute Field. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
Aaron SchwendimanMorgan Skeen Scored her first goal of the season Friday against Utah State. Skeen?s goal gave the Utes a 2-0 lead.