Southern Utah falls in Season Opener

CEDAR CITY, Utah – Southern Utah dropped its season opener to visiting Idaho State Friday, as the visiting Bengals tallied a pair of goals for a 2-0 victory. The Thunderbirds created several good scoring opportunities but was unable to put a shot in the net.

The Thunderbird offense bounced back after struggling in an exhibition match with Weber State earlier in the week. The T-Birds pushed the attack while recording 17 shots with four on goal. The offense showed definite signs of progress that a coach looks for in a group that features several new role players.

“This was a different team then we saw on Tuesday,” commented head coach Brian Stock after the game. “We made it a point to get after it and the team responded.”

The Thunderbirds threatened several times in the early minutes with their best chance coming when Riley Bassett gained possession inside the box and fired a shot that struck the crossbar, missing the goal by mere inches. Bengal goalkeeper Carly Hutchings-Maloney was able to gather the rebound, preventing any opportunity for a put-back from SUU.

Junior forward Stacey Brinkman also had a good look at the goal in the early minutes as she eluded defenders and rolled a ball just wide of the net.

“I was pleased that we were able to create more scoring opportunities today,” stated Stock. “That is the objective of our offense and we are more successful when we are able to do so.”

Despite Southern Utah's best efforts, Idaho State came away with the opening goal when junior midfielder Ashley Jones found Rachel Strawn open near the right post for a clean look that found the back of the net in the 29th minute. The score would remain 1-0 in favor of the Bengals at the end of the first half.

Southern Utah continued to demonstrate a sense of urgency in the second half, pressing the Idaho State defense and outshooting the Bengals by a total of 19-7 in the match. However the Thunderbirds were still unable to get one in the net and an insurance goal off the foot of forward Amanda Ellsworth in the final six minutes put the Bengals out in front 2-0, which would be the game's final score.

The Thunderbirds will continue their opening homestand as they return to the pitch Sunday to face the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks. The match will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the Thunderbird Soccer Field.

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Players Mentioned

#10 Riley Bassett: MF; 5' 11"; Senior

#7 Stacey Brinkman: F; 5' 8"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#10 Riley Bassett
: 5' 11"; Senior
: MF

#7 Stacey Brinkman
: 5' 8"; Junior
: F

Players Mentioned

#10 Riley Bassett

#7 Stacey Brinkman

Players Mentioned

#10 Riley Bassett

#7 Stacey Brinkman