Utah used an early goal and a strong performance from goalie Lindsey Luke to beat Oregon State 1-0 Sunday at Ute Field. With the victory, the Utes remain unbeaten both at home and in conference play.
In the 14th minute, midfielder Katie Taylor sent a cross into the box that forward Taylor Slattery was able to collect. Slattery turned on net and sent a low shot past the outstretched arms of OSU keeper Sammy Jo Prudhomme to put Utah up 1-0.
If the Utes (6-1-5, 2-0-1) were hoping that the early goal would break the Beavers, they didn’t get their wish. OSU pressured Utah constantly and Luke, who came into the match leading the Pac-12 in save percentage, was called upon time after time to keep the Beavers off the scoreboard.
“Full credit to Oregon State — middle of a road trip — for coming out with the positive energy and physicality that they did,” Utes head coach Rich Manning said. “They made it difficult for us and I am proud of the team for grinding through that.”
In the 27th minute, Oregon State’s Jenna Richardson collected a ball in the Beaver attacking third and got free on goal. She sent a low shot on frame, but a diving Luke was able to push it wide of the goal. In the 42nd minute, the Beavers again put Luke under pressure as Jacy Drobney put a shot on goal, but Luke punched it wide of the net to keep the Utes ahead going into halftime.
Oregon State’s attack pressed up in the second half in hopes of finding an equalizer. The Beavers had multiple chances, but the Utah defense held strong. In the 72nd minute, a Beaver corner kick led to an Audrey Gibb header that was put on frame. Luke was not in position to make the save, but defender Jenny Hutton preserved the Ute clean sheet by heading the ball away at the goal line.
“I think our defense is just solid,” Slattery said. “I feel so safe with those four back there.”
Three minutes later, the Beavers nearly tied it again when Brandi Dawson sent a shot toward the top of the goal, but Luke got a hand on it and knocked the ball over the cross bar.
The majority of the second half was played in Oregon State’s attacking side with the Beavers applying pressure, but the Utes did have some opportunities to extend their lead. Midfielder Katie Rigby blasted a shot on frame in the 77th minute, but a diving Prudhomme pushed it wide. In the 85th minute, forward Ashton Hall had a one-on-one opportunity against Prudhomme, and though she beat the keeper on the chance, her strike ricocheted off the post.
With seven minutes remaining, Oregon State had one of its best chances of the afternoon. Richardson collected the ball just outside the box, turned on goal and fired a shot. Luke again made a diving save, catching the ball to keep the shutout and victory intact.
The Utes’ victory Sunday was their second of the weekend, as they defeated Oregon 1-0 on Friday. Rigby’s first career goal was the difference in the match.
After playing its first three conference contests at home, Utah will go out on the road this weekend for matches against Washington and Washington State.