After going on the road and taking down Ohio State last weekend, Utah looked to advance to 2-0 in the first home game of the season, but a stingy Delaware defense was too much for the Utes to handle, leading to a massive early season upset as the Blue Hens came away with the 13-12 victory.
Recap
Utah opened up the game, taking a 3-1 lead into the second quarter as Jonas Hunter scored twice and Cade Faulkner added another goal from the midfield position. Delaware started the game relatively slow, but three unanswered goals to open up quarter number two helped the Blue Hens tie the game up at four goals apiece with 8:09 remaining in the half. Both teams exchanged blows as the second quarter progressed, but two man-up opportunities for Utah within the final minute of the first half allowed Zachary White and Nathan Chalmers to net their first goals of the game and give Utah a 7-5 lead heading into halftime.
Delaware would not go away, however, as another three-goal burst gave the Blue Hens a 9-8 lead. Delaware was dominant in the third quarter, outscoring Utah 4-1 and taking a 9-8 lead into the fourth quarter.
The Utes opened the fourth quarter with a beautiful goal from Ryan Stines to even the game at 9-9, but Delaware seemingly always had an answer. As the final quarter progressed, both teams continued to exchange goals, but beautiful ball movement allowed the Blue Hens to score with 2:02 remaining in the game as they took a 12-11 lead.
Late in the fourth quarter, a three-minute non-releasable penalty for Delaware gave Utah the man-up advantage and a great opportunity to tie or take the lead. With 01:48 remaining in the quarter, Luke McNamara was able to net his second goal of the day on an exceptional pass from Stines that tied the game up at 12 goals apiece.
With the man-up advantage, Utah had the perfect opportunity to put this game away. Delaware was unfazed, however, as a man-down goal with 0:54 remaining gave the Blue Hens the lead, and they would hold on strong throughout the final minute to complete the massive road upset, 13-12.
Analysis
Stines was incredible in this one, scoring two goals and dishing out five assists. Faulkner and Hunter each were able to score three goals apiece as the two secured their first hat tricks of the season. McNamara found the back of the net twice late in the game, but unfortunately for Utah, the offensive fireworks were not enough as Delaware was able to complete the monumental upset.
What’s Next for the Utes?
Utah will head back on the road next week on Saturday as they head to Colorado to take on the University of Denver at noon MST. The Utes will look to bounce back in a big way after a tough loss this weekend.
