Following games versus Gonzaga University and Grand Canyon University, the University of Utah Women’s Soccer team (2-1-1) took on two Utah schools at home. On Wednesday, they faced off against the No. 19 ranked Utah State Aggies. Then, on Sunday, they matched up with the Wildcats of Weber State.
No. 19 Utah State
Heading into Wednesday night’s challenge with Utah State, the Utes looked to get back in the win column after their draw with GCU. Despite Utah’s aspirations, the undefeated Aggies came to play.
The game started off with little offensive action, with neither team producing a goal in the first half. The Utes did not earn their first shot on goal until the final six seconds of the half. On the other hand, the Aggies put up four shots of their own in the period, missing two and two being saved by Kasey Wardle.
In the second half, the scoring finally opened up in the 57th minute. Utah State’s Summer Diamond scored off an assist from Bizzy Arevalo, taking the 1-0 lead. Less than five minutes later, the Aggies would further extend their lead with an Alex Day goal.
Despite the Utes’ best efforts to make a comeback, which included three corner kicks and three shots, they ultimately fell short, 2-0. The result gave Utah their first loss of the season.
Weber State
On Sunday evening, the Utes returned to Ute Field to take on the Weber State Wildcats. As opposed to the Utah State match, Utah’s offense was the star of the show. After foiling the Wildcat’s early offensive attacks, the Utes earned a corner kick. Katie O’Kane’s kick deflected off the Wildcat goalkeeper, into the net.
Six minutes later, O’Kane received a long pass from Maryn Granger and found the back of the net, moving the lead to 2-0. In the 33rd minute, Weber’s Lily Blum split defenders and netted the Wildcat’s only goal.
Later, two Weber State players earned yellow cards late in the half. With less than two minutes to halftime, Callie Blaylock scored on Kelly Bullock’s cross, moving the game to 3-1.
Utah opened the second half with a goaltender substitution, putting junior Erin Gibbs in net.
A defensive incident involving Utah’s Devi Dudley gathered the Utes’ only yellow card of the game.
From here, Utah continued their offensive onslaught, maintaining control of the game. Forcing a turnover on a Wildcat throw-in, the Utes found themselves with possession in the Weber territory. A pass from Grace Watkins produced an excellent scoring opportunity for Taliana Kaufusi, which she successfully converted.
Less than three minutes later, Kaufusi scored her second goal of the match. Then, in the 58th minute, a deep pass from Mia Paugh set up Kaufusi for a third. Putting the ball in the net, Kaufusi completed the hat trick in less than five minutes.
With the lead extended to five goals, Utah was well ahead of Weber State. In the 68th minute, O’Kane hit the top left corner with a deep kick from outside of the box, completing a hat trick of her own.
The match ended with a commanding Utah victory, defeating the Wildcats, 7-1. Watkins, Blum and Bullock each finished the game with two assists and the Utes had a collective 12 shots.
Next Up
On Thursday, the Utes will travel southeast to take on Louisiana State University on the road. Then, on Sunday, Utah returns to Salt Lake City and Ute Field to battle Utah Valley. Sunday’s game will start at 7 p.m. MST will be televised via ESPN+.
