The Utah Tech women’s soccer team has shown remarkable resilience and determination in their recent matches, as they have not lost a game since Sept. 5. The Trailblazers have recorded three wins and three draws in their last six games, including two ties against conference rivals.
Trailblazers hold off Grand Canyon in 1-1 draw
On Sunday, Oct. 1, Utah Tech hosted Grand Canyon at Greater Zion Stadium in a Western Athletic Conference (WAC) showdown. The Trailblazers took the lead in the 28th minute when freshman forward Lacy Fox scored her fifth goal of the season from a cross by senior midfielder Gracie Knutzen. Fox is the team’s leading scorer and was named the TicketSmarter WAC Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 19.
However, the Lopes equalized in the 64th minute when sophomore forward Kaitlyn Cook converted a penalty kick after a foul in the box. The game remained tied at 1-1 until the final whistle, despite both teams having chances to score in the closing minutes. Utah Tech goalkeeper Kelsey Salvesen made four saves to preserve the draw, while Grand Canyon goalkeeper Jordan Ferguson made six saves.
Utah Tech battles Southern Utah to 1-1 draw
On Thursday, Sept. 28, Utah Tech faced Southern Utah in Cedar City in another WAC clash. The Trailblazers opened the scoring in the 17th minute when sophomore defender Tessa Thornton headed in a corner kick by Knutzen. Thornton was named the TicketSmarter WAC Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 2 for her role in helping Utah Tech maintain its unbeaten streak.
The Thunderbirds leveled the score in the 58th minute when senior forward Hailey Hamataka scored from a pass by freshman midfielder Kaitlyn McLaughlin. Neither team could find the winning goal in regulation or overtime, as the game ended in a 1-1 draw. Salvesen made five saves for Utah Tech, while Southern Utah goalkeeper Brianna Aldridge made seven saves.
Trailblazers edge Idaho State in 4-3 thriller
On Saturday, Sept. 23, Utah Tech hosted Idaho State at Greater Zion Stadium in a non-conference match. The Trailblazers scored four goals in the first half to take a commanding lead over the Bengals. Fox scored twice, while senior forward Camryn Lyman and junior forward Rusick added one goal each. Knutzen assisted on three of the goals, while sophomore midfielder Bryce Backlund assisted on the other.
However, Idaho State mounted a comeback in the second half, scoring three goals in a span of 15 minutes. Senior forward Makena Bambei scored twice, while junior midfielder Brooke Limburg scored once for the Bengals. The Trailblazers held on to secure a 4-3 victory, as Salvesen made six saves to deny Idaho State’s late rally.
Upcoming games for Utah Tech
The Utah Tech women’s soccer team will continue its conference play this week, as they host California Baptist on Thursday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m., and Grand Canyon on Sunday, Oct. 8, at 1 p.m., at Greater Zion Stadium. The Trailblazers are currently third in the WAC standings with seven points from three games, behind California Baptist and Seattle University with nine points each.
