CEDAR CITY, Utah, Sept. 26 – Southern Utah (4-3-1, 1-0 Big Sky) opened conference play with a 2-1 victory over Sacramento State (4-4, 0-1 Big Sky) on Friday, marking the first time the Thunderbirds have started a Big Sky season with a win. SUU jumped out in front in the first half, but a lightning delay forced a 70-minute halftime intermission. The Hornets were able to even the game up in the second period before junior midfielder Nancy Brich fired in what would prove to be the game-winning goal to deliver the win for the T-Birds.
“This sets a nice precedent, the team right now is looking strong and we have arguably the toughest opponent coming up this Sunday in Portland State,” stated SUU head coach Becky Hogan.
The SUU attack brought the pressure early and broke through 26th minute after a throw-in deep in Sacramento State territory saw freshman Megan Bolding set up Aurora Moberly for a score to put the Thunderbirds up, 1-0.
Lightning in the area extended halftime to a 70-minute delay. The T-Birds protected their lead through the first 26 minutes of the second period until sophomore forward Adaurie Dayak sent a cross in front of the net that was redirected into the goal by Emily Hooper for an equalizer that evened the count at 1-1.
“We were dominating play and putting pressure on them and scored the goal and had a good look at a couple of others. Then the lightning delay threw everything off,” explained Hogan. “They made a tactical change and it took us a minute to adjust to that and settle back in.”
The clock wound down to the last five minutes of regulation when sophomore Shelby Green connected a pass to an open Brich in the top left corner of the box. She used the space to line up a shot that flew past the keeper and into the top of the net to put Southern Utah back in front for good as the T-Birds went on to claim the 2-1 victory.
“It shows the spirit of the team, that we never give up, we never quit battling. Shelby poured her whole heart into her time on the field. We always find a way to make something happen,” commented Hogan. “Nancy is just a goal-scorer. She understands her role and has a way to put herself in the right spot and she is composed and practices her finishing. When that ball fell at her feet, you knew it was going to be a goal. I'm really proud of her.”
SUU led in the overall shot count by margin of 13-9 and attempted three corner kicks while giving up just one. Sophomore goalkeeper Taylor Bolding made four saves over the full 90 minutes to improve her record to 3-1 on the year.
Brich moved into the team lead by herself with her third goal while Moberly netted her second. Bolding and Green each recorded their first assist of the season.
Southern Utah will be back in action this Sunday as they get set to host Portland State. The match is scheduled to get underway at 12 p.m. with live stats and video available at www.suutbirds.com.
