Utah's women's soccer team is gearing up for its final non-conference competitions, framing their season before plunging headfirst into Big 12 play. The University of Utah is hosting a duo of matches at Ute Field in Salt Lake City, keen on securing a resilient start much like their impressive 6-2-1 kickoff back in 2016. On Thursday, the Utes will clash with the Utah Tech Trailblazers at 7 p.m., followed by a Sunday showdown against the Oregon State Beavers, which kicks off at 1 p.m.
Pre-game stats put the home team at a promising 4-2-1, contrasting Utah Tech's 3-2-1 and Oregon State's less fortuitous 0-3-3. Utah seeks to rebound from a recent 2-0 setback against LSU, aiming to improve its overall record and head into conference play on a high note. According to UtahUtes.com, Kelly Bullock, Grace Watkins, and Lilliah Blum are among players adding firepower to Utah's attack, contributing crucial goals and assists so far this season.
Scouting reports on the upcoming opponents shed light on their strengths and challenges. Utah Tech brings a jolt of momentum from two narrow victories, with players like Michelle Rodriguez and Kyah Le expected to be key performers in Thursday's game. Meanwhile, the Beavers are still hungry for their first win, with goalkeeper Mya Sanchez having notched up 29 saves already this season. For those who can't make it to Ute Field, both games will be available via live stream on ESPN+, and live stats can be accessed by clicking on the links provided.
Although battling on the field, Thursday offers more than just soccer, celebrating community heroes night with freebies for the kids, and Sunday continues the trend with soccer posters and magnets. For seasoned watchers of the Utes, the senior and graduate lineup is headlined by experienced players like Erin Gibbs and Brooklyn Blaylock, totaling 158 matches in their college careers. Adding fresh blood, head coach Hideki Nakada has infused his squad with 12 new players, diversified across upperclassmen, a sophomore, and eager freshmen. With captains Dudley, Watkins, and Hetzel at the helm, the team's cumulative 204 collegiate games under their belt is a testament to Utah’s rich pool of talent.
