The University of Utah women’s soccer team defeated the Southern Utah Thunderbirds 3-0 on Saturday evening at Ute Field in Salt Lake City, in a match disrupted by a nearly three-hour weather delay.
Weather Delay Halts First-Half Play in Salt Lake City
Utah controlled the tempo early, registering eight shots in the first 35 minutes against just one for Southern Utah, according to utahutes.com match reports. The relentless pressure broke through in the 30th minute when midfielder Brooke Gardner launched a ball from beyond midfield. According to utahutes.com, the ball bounced over Southern Utah goalkeeper Tatum Trout and rolled into the net for Gardner’s first collegiate goal, giving the Utes a 1-0 lead.
Shortly after the opening score, inclement weather forced officials to suspend play. According to bvmsports.com, the delay lasted over two and a half hours, interrupting both teams’ rhythm on the pitch. Utah head coach Hideki Nakada praised his squad’s response to the unusual break, noting via utahutes.com that the team regrouped and made tactical adjustments during the downtime.
Utes Extend Lead in Shortened Second Half
When play resumed, Utah quickly capitalized on its attacking opportunities. According to utahutes.com, a right-sided attack in the first half’s closing moments saw Tatym Dever cross to Nevaeh Peregrina, who set up Katie Callaway for a tap-in goal to make it 2-0 before halftime. Shortly after the second-half whistle, Julia Oka pounced on a loose ball in the box and scored her first goal of the season, stretching the lead to 3-0.
According to bvmsports.com, Southern Utah managed only four total shots during the match, with two on target, while goalkeeper Tatum Trout recorded five saves. In contrast, utahutes.com reported that Utah fired 15 total shots, putting eight on target. Play was called slightly early in the 84th minute after further lightning was detected in the area, leading both coaching staffs to agree to end the fixture.
Looking Ahead for Both Programs
Following the result, Utah improves its record to 2-0-1 on the young season. According to utahutes.com, the Utes return to action on Thursday at 7 p.m. to host the Utah State Aggies at Ute Field. For Southern Utah, bvmsports.com reports the Thunderbirds will look to rebound on August 27 against Sacramento State as they aim to refine their attack and secure their first win of the campaign.
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