Thunderbirds Blanked by Oral Roberts

TULSA, Oklahoma – Southern Utah University opened their final season in the Summit League with a 4-0 loss at Oral Roberts Friday. The Golden Eagles used a steady attack to build a two-goal lead at the break and then added two more scores in the second half for the shutout win.

Senior midfielder Maria Grados opened the scoring for the home team in the 25th minute as she was able to connect with a well-placed cross from teammate Allison Hall and direct the ball in the back of the net. Grados would strike again just before the close of the half when she was able to drive one in from the top of the box to put ORU up two goals to none.

It didn't take Oral Roberts long to extend their lead in the second half as the Golden Eagles tallied their third goal of the game in the 47th minute when sophomore midfielder Tatum Lynn found Anna Van Valin open for the score. The final goal of the match came just minutes later as Whitney Brannan put one in the net for a final margin of 4-0.

The Thunderbird offense struggled to find its stride throughout the match as they were outshot 18-13 by the Golden Eagles, and only took one corner kick after entering the match averaging more than four attempts per game. Elyse Osborne led the T-Birds with five shots, four of which came on goal, however the senior midfielder was still unable to net her first goal of the season.

The SUU defense also struggled in the match, allowing its highest goal total of the year. The Thunderbird's inability to contain the Eagles attack also resulted in a change at goalkeeper in the second half as Breana Fitzgerald replaced Charly Booth between the posts for the first time this season.

With the loss the Thunderbirds fall to 2-4-1 and 0-1 in the Summit League on the year while the Golden Eagles improve their record to 3-5-1. SUU will play another match in the oil capital of the world this Sunday as they face the University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane at 5:00 p.m. (MST)

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Players Mentioned

#1 Charly Booth: GK; 5' 8"; Junior

#30 Breana Fitzgerald: GK; 5' 9"; Redshirt Sophomore

#5 Elyse Osborne: MF; 5' 4"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#1 Charly Booth
: 5' 8"; Junior
: GK

#30 Breana Fitzgerald
: 5' 9"; Redshirt Sophomore
: GK

#5 Elyse Osborne
: 5' 4"; Senior
: MF

Players Mentioned

#1 Charly Booth

#30 Breana Fitzgerald

#5 Elyse Osborne

Players Mentioned

#1 Charly Booth

#30 Breana Fitzgerald

#5 Elyse Osborne