Southern Utah Drops Second Straight

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Southern Utah was once again unable to put a score on the board Sunday, as the Thunderbirds were defeated at UC Riverside by a final score of 2-0. SUU controlled play for most of the match, recording 17 shots to the Highlanders 10, but were shut out in for the second-straight time and third time this season.

“I think we did a good job threatening and getting shots,” said head coach Brian Stock of his offense. “Unfortunately that pressure didn't materialize into goals.”

The Thunderbird defense put together a solid effort, but their few miscues allowed the Highlanders the chance they needed to SUU held the UCR offense without a shot on goal for the majority of the first half. Then in the 31st minute Southern Utah defender Allyson Duda attempted to collect a pass that was played into the box but the ball bounced up into her arm and called a handball, resulting in a penalty kick for UC Riverside. Kayde Hensley converted the penalty to put the Highlanders out in front 1-0.

“That first goal on the penalty was one of their only shots on goal,” commented Stock. “It was an unfortunate break that put us behind and made things more difficult for us.”

Southern Utah generated several good scoring opportunities in the match, but were unable to put the ball in the net. Junior forward Stacey Brinkman found some space in front of the goal in the 15th minute but Highlander goalkeeper made a diving save and pushed the ball just wide. Brinkman had another good look early in the second half but her shot carried just over the crossbar.

UC Riverside extended their lead in the 66th minute when Maurisa Jones found teammate Vanessa Ybarra open in the box. Ybarra was able to turn and fire a shot to the right side of the net just past the outstretched arms of Thunderbird goalkeeper Charly Booth to set the final score at 2-0 in favor of UCR. With the loss SUU falls to 2-3-1 on the year while the Highlanders improve to 3-2-1.

The Thunderbirds will be off this weekend as they prepare to open Summit League play at Oral Roberts next week. Southern Utah will square off against the Golden Eagles on Friday Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. and then face the Tulsa Golden Hurricane the following Sunday.

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Players Mentioned

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

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

#17 Allyson Duda: D; 5' 5"; Senior

Players Mentioned

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

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

#17 Allyson Duda
: 5' 5"; Senior
: D

Players Mentioned

#1 Charly Booth

#7 Stacey Brinkman

#17 Allyson Duda

Players Mentioned

#1 Charly Booth

#7 Stacey Brinkman

#17 Allyson Duda