Following back-to-back home victories, the University of Utah Women’s Soccer team (4-4-4, 1-2-2 Big 12) went on the road for their next set of games. On Thursday, the Utes traveled southwest to Lubbock, Texas to take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Then, on Monday, they made their way to Provo to take on rival BYU.
Texas Tech
Heading into Thursday’s match with Texas Tech coming off of two straight victories, the Utes looked to get their second Big 12 Conference win. The game remained at a stand-still in terms of scoring for the majority of the match.
Texas Tech came out of the gates hot, earning three corner-kicks in the first 10 minutes of the match. Additionally, the Red Raiders quickly produced three shots in the same amount of time. The Utes stood strong, though, trumping each of the Red Raider scoring opportunities.
One second before the 14th minute, Utah earned its first shot of the game. The Utes didn’t attempt another shot until the 30th minute of the half. Two saves from Kasey Wardle kept Texas Tech off the board.
Late in the 39th minute, an incident involving Katie O’Kane resulted in the Utes’ first yellow card of the game. As the final seconds of the half dwindled, both teams went into halftime with the game remaining scoreless.
In the second half, the two teams continued to evenly battle. In the 67th and 68th minutes respectively, the Utes found themselves with two scoring chances, producing shots on goal. Despite the Utes’ efforts, both attempts were thwarted by the Texas Tech goaltender.
Then, in response to the Utah barrage, the Red Raiders returned the favor. Only a minute later, Skylar Haase netted the first goal of the game for Texas Tech. Just over two minutes after, Chloe Soto expanded the Red Raider lead to two.
In less than three minutes, between the 72nd and 75th minute, three yellow cards were issued, including one to Utah’s Bella Woods. Despite the Utes’ best attempts to find the back of the net, they were ultimately shut-out, 2-0, for their first Big 12 loss.
BYU
On Monday night, Utah anticipated the storied rivalry match with their new conference opponent, BYU. The game, which was held at South Field in Provo, was full of intensity and surpassed the expectations of a match of this magnitude.
Akin to the Texas Tech game, both offenses struggled to produce early on in the game. BYU put up the game’s first shot 10 minutes into the half. Then, the Utes earned their first shot, a shot-on-goal, 28 minutes in.
Utah would go on to complete two more shot attempts in the period, but were ultimately unable to score. Both teams finished the half with a single save, maintaining the 0-0 score heading into the half. Just under two minutes into second half play, the Utes received the first yellow card of the game. From here, both teams’ offenses found their sparks and looked to change the game.
In the 55th minute, BYU earned back-to-back corner-kick attempts. The second kick, which was a cross into the box, was headed in. Taking advantage of the opportunity, the Cougars opened the game’s scoring.
Just over six minutes later, the Utes found their opportunity to respond. Earning the ball on a BYU turnover, O’Kane sped past the Cougar defense. Taking advantage of the mistake, she shot the ball into the wide-open net, knotting the game at 1-1.
Then, in a span that lasted over seven minutes, the Utes successfully defended against six BYU corner-kicks. Despite Utah’s strong defense, the Cougars finally broke the tie in the 82nd minute of play. Allie Fryer found the back of the net for her second goal of the game.
Utah earned consecutive corner kicks in their final comeback effort, but could not convert. As the remaining time bled, BYU’s Fryer earned a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Ultimately, the Cougars found the win in the end, 2-1. The Utes finished with eight shots on the game, as opposed to BYU’s 17. Wardle finished the game with a season-high eight saves.
Next Up
Looking to bounce back from the consecutive losses, the Utes are back in Salt Lake for their next set of games. On Thursday afternoon, the Utes welcome Iowa State to Ute Field. Then, on Sunday, Utah will battle with No. 15 Oklahoma State. Both games will be televised via ESPN+.
