Utah Soccer Takes Down Long Beach State, 1-0

Friday, September 19

Salt Lake City, Utah

7:30 PM

University of Utah

Long Beach State

9/19/2008 12:00 AM | Soccer

Sept. 19, 2008

Box Score

SALT LAKE CITY - The University of Utah soccer team (3-5-1) recorded its third straight shutout, posting a 1-0 victory against Long Beach State (4-2-2) Friday night. The game-winning goal came off the head of freshman defender Lauren Porter (Salt Lake City, Utah).

"I think our team is really starting to develop its personality," said head coach Rich Manning. "We are a gritty team that just sticks it out and keeps trying to find a way to make plays. We came out with renewed energy in the second half and were able to break up a little bit of the rhythm Long Beach had created toward the end of the first half. Lauren (Porter) really asserted herself on the game tonight in both penalty boxes."

With the game in a 0-0 deadlock, the Utes finally broke through in the 72nd minute of play as Porter got on the end of a corner kick delivered by senior forward Katy Reineke (Salt Lake City, Utah). Porter had come forward from her defender position, made a run to the back post and out-jumped the LBSU defense to bury the header. The goal was Porter's first of her career and the assist was Reineke's second of the season.

"There is no better feeling than that," said Porter. "That was awesome. We have been working on it in practice for a long time. Lauren Dudley, Katie Martinez, Amanda Sanchez and myself, have all had a few chances like that. It feels really good to finally get one.

"Porter was able to go get the ball a lot tonight," said Manning. "She has had a few close calls this year and she finally got one to go. I'm sure that is not her last."

Utah goalkeeper Emalee Rogers (Centerville, Utah) is credited with her third consecutive shutout and the fourth of her career. Utah's defense held fast all night, allowing LBSU just one shot on goal, which Rogers saved, and holding the 49ers to a mere seven total shots. Utah got off 10 shots of its own, putting three on goal.

"After nine games I feel like our defense has developed great chemistry," said Manning. "We have a lot of new players out there but they are really starting to understand their roles and they are playing with a lot more confidence lately."

Corner kicks were an even three apiece, while LBSU was whistled for 11 fouls to Utah's eight. Long Beach was assessed two yellow cards, while the Utes were shown one as well.

Adding to the atmosphere of the game was the year's first Crimson Night, where as many available athletes from other Utah teams come out to support another squad on campus.

"It was a great atmosphere tonight here tonight," said Porter. "We loved the support of all of our fellow athletes who came out for the first Crimson night. I think it really shows the unity of our university."

Utah has now blanked three consecutive opponents for the first time since 2006. The Utes hold a 2-0-1 record in those three games.

Long Beach State was receiving votes in the most recent National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Top 25 poll. Including UNC Greensboro, Utah has now defeated two squads who are currently receiving National Top 25 votes.

Utah gets back into action Sunday at Ute Field as the squad hosts Cal State Fullerton at 1 p.m. The game will also feature the `Pink on the Pitch' event as the Utes take part in an ongoing effort to promote breast cancer awareness. Cal State Fullerton is also receiving votes in the NSCAA Top 25.