The University of Utah Women’s Soccer has their work cut out for them this weekend. Going into a road game with their record evened up at 3-3 gives the Utes a chance to get their feet on the ground and build some momentum if they manage to get this win over the Nevada Wolf Pack.

The Utes are coming off a narrow victory over Boise State on the road last weekend, 1-0 in double overtime. Junior Alexis Rushlow scored the lone goal of the game, her first as a Ute. They will attempt to defeat a struggling Wolf Pack, holders of a 1-4 record after losing three straight. All of their losses this season have been by just one goal, with three of those losses coming in overtime.

Just like last weekend, this is an opportunity for the Utes to build up some steam. They haven’t quite started the season as they hoped, but there’s plenty of time left to get back on track. Utah will need to do well in their final three games against non-conference opponents before starting Pac-12 play if they want to have a chance against the tougher opposition. These games give them a chance to start to play well and build some confidence going into a Sept. 27 matchup against Arizona State, followed by matchups against the rest of the conference.

The Wolf Pack will try to get themselves on track after several disappointing losses. They are coming off a trip to Hawaii, with losses to the University of Hawaii and Sacramento State, and then a home loss to Weber State.

The Utes are 1-1 against the Wolf Pack all-time, and both games were played at home. They met last season, when the Utes won 1-0. Nevada’s victory was in 2011, also 1-0. The Utes will try to break the all-time tie in their first game ever against Nevada on the road.

Utah is wrapping up a three-game road trip, and will be home for their next two after this meeting with Nevada. Four of their first six games have been on the road. They are currently undefeated at home and 1-3 on the road, which they will look to correct this Friday in Reno.

Overall, this could be a very important game for the Utah Women’s Soccer team. A convincing win here would be a great opportunity to make a statement as they tune themselves up for Pac-12 play. Expectations are high as they look to build on last year’s hot finish to the season and attempt to make the NCAA playoff. The game is scheduled for Friday, September 13 at 7:30 p.m.

[email protected]

e_pearce_