LAWRENCE, Kan. – The University of Utah women's soccer team relinquishes two goals in the second-half for a 2-0 fall to the University of Kansas Jayhawks on Sunday afternoon at Rock Chalk Park in Lawrence, Kan.
The Utes (6-5-4) fell to the Jayhawks (6-5-4) for the second time in program history. The last battle between these two schools was Aug. 31 of the 2018 season, where the Utes lost 2-1 in double overtime in Lawrence.
"Today wasn't our day," said head coach
Hideki Nakada, "Obviously gifting two goals the way we did was the difference in the end, but Kansas made it difficult for us to find our rhythm and weren't able to play our game today, unfortunately."
The game got off to an uneventful start with both teams' defense taking control. The Jayhawks were able to get nine shots to the Utes three, but both squads went into the half sitting at zero.
Coming out of the half, both teams came out with a new fire, and in the 56
th minute Kansas midfielder Jillian Gregorski received a high cross and headed the ball into the net to put the first score on the board, 1-0.
Utah fought to level the game, but Kansas was quick to shut down any offensive attempts.
With pressure from Kansas's offense, a Utah defender error led to Jayhawks obtaining a point from an own goal, putting the Utes in a 2-0 deficit. This is not the first time this season the Utes have fallen victim to an own goal. On Sept. 8 an own-goal from the Utes resulted in a 2-0 loss against Utah Valley University.
Senior goalkeeper
Kasey Wardle worked hard in the goal, accumulating five saves throughout the 90 minutes.
"Looking forward to getting back home and celebrating our seniors on Thursday," said Nakada.
Next Up
Making their way back home, Utah will play host to the Houston Cougars to celebrate Senior Night on Thursday, Oct. 17
th at Ute Field.
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