SOCCER: ATHENS, Ga. — The University of Utah women's soccer team (0-4) lost a hard-fought neutral site contest to UNC Greensboro (3-0) Sunday by a 1-0 score. Utah put up yet another strong defensive effort, only to fall by a one-goal margin for the third time in four games.
UNC Greensboro broke the 0-0 deadlock in the 65th minute when sophomore forward Tabitha Padgett chipped a shot into the back of the net, tallying the eventual game-winner. The Utes had to feel unlucky to not score themselves as they saw three shots rebuffed by the frame of the goal. Junior defender Lauren Dudley had a shot hit the goalpost early in the game, while junior forward Erin Dalley had a header hit the post and another parried onto the woodwork by the UNCG goalkeeper.
Despite giving up the score, Utah junior goalkeeper Hannah Turpen shined between the pipes, making six saves to keep the Utes within striking distance.. On the weekend, Turpen turned away 13 shots in two games, including seven saves against Georgia in Friday night's contest. She has made 21 stops on the year, averaging more than five saves per contest.
The Utes were outshot 16-10 overall, while shots on goal went 7-4 for the Spartans. Each team took six corner kicks, while fouls went 13-8 against UNCG.
Utah, whose season has been riddled with injuries to several starters and key substitutes, looks to bounce back in its first home game Friday, Sept. 3 as the Utes host Loyola Marymount at Ute Field. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. MT.