Three games into the Big 12, the Utah women’s soccer team is still searching for its first conference win, though the effort and competitiveness have been evident. The Utes have shown they can hang with some of the league’s toughest competition and remain confident in their ability to turn close games into victories.

Utah, now 5-4-3 overall and 0-1-2 in the Big 12 conference, opened the stretch with a 1-0 loss to No. 14 TCU in Fort Worth on Sept. 19. The Utes then battled to back-to-back draws at home, first in a scoreless contest against Cincinnati and then in a 1-1 result against West Virginia.

At TCU on Sept. 19

In Fort Worth, Texas, Utah showed they could create chances against a nationally ranked opponent. The Utes held a 4-1 shot advantage at halftime and nearly grabbed the early lead in the eighth minute when Londyn Lovell broke into the box, only to see her shot pushed away. Later attempts from Sophie Bellini and Mia Paugh were also denied by Horned Frogs keeper Olivia Geller.

The difference came in the 20th minute, when TCU’s Seven Castain headed in the game’s only goal. Utah’s defense, anchored by goalkeeper Erin Gibbs, held the Horned Frogs to just one goal despite four on-target second-half shots.

“If not for their goalkeeper making a few phenomenal saves, the result could have been different,” head coach Hideki Nakada said. “Ultimately, it came down to one mistake in our box.”

At home vs Cincinnati on Sept. 24

Back at Ute Field on Sept. 24, Utah locked down Cincinnati defensively, allowing just three total shots in a 0-0 draw. The Utes controlled the game statistically, outshooting the Bearcats 19-5 and forcing four saves. Utah could not find the net despite multiple opportunities, including a curling strike from Kelly Bullock that missed by inches and a free kick from Bella Woods that hit the post.

“The bottom line is we need to find a way to score and win games,” Nakada said after the draw. “Once again, we controlled the match but failed to capitalize on our chances.”

At home vs West Virginia on Sept. 27

The Utes’ offensive frustration gave way to some reward against West Virginia on Sept. 27, though victory still slipped away. After a scoreless first half, Utah broke through in the 48th minute when Shannon Davidson’s pass down the wing set up Grace Watkins’ cross to Lilliah Blum, who buried her team-high fourth goal.

But just a minute later, West Virginia answered with a strike from Anna Hauer to level the match at 1-1. Despite strong saves from Gibbs and late Utah chances, the teams settled for a draw.

“I am really proud of our effort tonight,” Nakada said. “West Virginia is ranked No. 8 in the RPI, and a win would have been huge. The way we competed shows what we are capable of.”

Through three Big 12 matches, Utah has conceded only two goals, a sign of defensive stability, but the team has only scored once. Blum’s finishing touch and Watkins’ playmaking have stood out, but the Utes are still searching for the edge to turn tight contests into wins.

Next, Utah travels to Orlando, Florida, on Oct. 2 to face UCF as the team continues its push for a first Big 12 victory of the season. The Utes then return to Ute Field on Oct. 16 for a pivotal matchup against the University of Colorado, marking their first home conference game in over two weeks.

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