The Utah Valley University women’s soccer team led 1-0 at halftime but gave up a pair of second half goals as Seattle U defeated the Wolverines, 2-1, in the Western Athletic Conference opener for both teams.
Utah Valley falls to 5-4-2 overall on the season and 0-1-0 in WAC play, while the Redhawks improve to 5-3-1 overall and 1-0-0 in league action.
Sophomore forward Sheridan Fox got the Wolverines on the scoreboard in the 40th minute, striking a long shot from the right side of the box. The ball sailed just inside the left post for the score. The goal was assisted by sophomore defender Sara Ranck.
Seattle U’s Taylor Ritzman tied the game at 1-1 in the 47th minute after a ball bounced around near the box and found Ritzman’s foot for the score. SU’s Madeline Racine was credited with an assist on the goal.
The Redhawks score the game-winning goal in the 78th minute when Stephanie Spiekerman found the back of the net for her first career goal. Stephanie Verdoia assisted the score.
Utah Valley edged the Redhawks in shots during the first half of play, 7-6, but dropped off in the second half as SU out-shot the Wolverines, 11-3. Sophomore forward Taylor Kirk and Fox led UVU with two shots each.
Junior keeper Jessica Duffin played all 90 minutes in goal for the Wolverines, collecting four saves on 17 shots she faced.
The Wolverines travel to play Bakersfield on Oct. 3, before heading to Phoenix to take on Grand Canyon on Oct. 5. Utah Valley returns home to host Bakersfield on Oct. 10.
Jason Erickson works in the communications office at the Utah Valley University athletic department. For more information on Wolverine athletics, visit WolverineGreen.com.