Lacrosse at University of Utah Soccer Field (Photo Courtesy of Ali Eminov | Flickr).
With less-than-ideal weather conditions hitting the east coast, the Utah men’s lacrosse team took on Vermont a day earlier than expected. After falling in back-to-back games, the Utes looked to get back on track with a massive road win. The common theme so far this year for Utah has been the inability to close out games, and once again the Utes struggled to gain momentum in the fourth quarter, eventually falling 11-10 in regulation.
First Half
The first half of this highly anticipated matchup was a low-scoring affair as both goalies played lights out, saving over half of the opposing team’s shots. Utah saw a 3-1 deficit after the first quarter but fought back hard in the second, tying this game up at four goals apiece heading into halftime.
The Utah scoring in the first half came from four different players as Chase Robertson, Zachary White, Cade Faulkner and Ben Trask were able to find the back of the net. Ryan Stines led the team with two assists through one half of action as he continued to play facilitator from the attack position.
Second Half
The third quarter saw both offenses gain momentum, with Vermont taking the slight edge, 8-7, heading into the final quarter of action. Utah’s scoring dispersion continued into the second half as Cody Hart, Stines and Jonas Hunter all scored goals to help pace the Utah offense.
The fourth quarter was tight throughout as neither team could gain a significant advantage. Utah opened up the final quarter with goals from Brady Grandstaff and Luke McNamara to take a one-goal lead, but three straight Vermont scores pushed them back in front, 11-9. The Utes attempted to rally late as White’s second goal of the day found the back of the net, but it would be too little too late as the Utes would eventually fall, 11-10.
What’s Next for the Utes?
Utah will head back to Salt Lake City to take on a surging Syracuse team next week Saturday at 12:00 p.m. MST on ESPN+. After three straight losses, the Utes look to make a statement against one of the best teams in the country.
k.garrison@dailyutahchronicle.com
@KyleGarrison2