Utes Fall at No. 10 BYU, 2-0

Friday, September 6

Provo, Utah

7:00 PM

University of Utah

2-2-0, 0-0-0

Brigham Young

3-0-0, 0-0-0

Utah

BYU

9/6/2019 10:59 PM | Soccer

Box Score BYU 2 Utah 0

PROVO, Utah – Utah Soccer suffered a 2-0 setback at No. 10 BYU this evening in the annual rivalry game.

"It was a really great atmosphere and we did a lot of nice things on the night," head coach Rich Manning said. "I thought the players had a great mindset and stayed aggressive throughout the game. BYU is a really good attacking team so you have to be fearless when you play them. They are going to punch you so you have to be prepared to retaliate."

Bri Pearson tested the BYU back line early and Utah's first corner flicked wide off the head of Aleea Gwerder. Shortly after that, Elise Flake gave the Cougars a 1-0 lead, netting in the 19^th minute off an assist for SaraJayne Affleck

Utah had a chance to pull level but Sabrina Davis made an outstanding double save, denying Ireland Dunn before stopping Brooklyn James.

Utah started the second half by creating a couple good chances with Jessica Hixson's blast from the top of the penalty area blocked away for an early corner. Courtney Talbot, who created havoc all game for the Utes, saw another attempt blocked and Tavia Leachman's follow was rocketed wide

Pearson had another nice look at a possible equalizer, heading a Hailey Stodden cross right at the Cougar goalkeeper.

Shortly after that opportunity, Cameron Tucker doubled BYU's lead. A long corner fell to Flake at the far post and her ball back across the front of the frame was tapped in. Despite the goal, Carly Nelson played admirably in net and made seven saves,

Utah's final two chances fell to Makayla Christensen, who fired high over the bar, and Ali Schinko, who headed a free kick wide in the waning moments.

"We had a lot of good performances," Manning added. "The seniors stepped up and played well. However, we need to execute a little better so we will continue to work on some things. The whole back line and Carly played well. Jessica, Courtney and Holly did a really nice job handling things in the midfield.

The Utes are back in action on Sunday at 1 p.m. as they travel to play Boise State