IRVINE, Calif. – After a scoreless first half from both sides, Southern Utah University freshman Victoria Caucci found the back of the net for what would end up being the game-winning goal to give the Thunderbirds a 1-0 win in their season opener at Hope International Thursday night.
The victory moved SUU to 1-0-0 on the season.
"To go on the road and get a shutout win is always good," said head coach Kai Edwards. "We did some very good things that we have been working to improve for weeks and that was good to see. We wasted some chances and need to be more clinical in the final third as we go forward. We played in an awesome stadium with loud fans which made for an exciting atmosphere under the lights."
The Thunderbirds came close to breaking through multiple times in the first half but could not score despite a 6-3 shot advantage. Just moments after halftime, Southern Utah continued to apply pressure and keep the ball in the attacking third of the field. The T-Birds earned a corner in the 46th minute and finally broke through in the 49th minute when Evi Anderson found Caucci for the match's only and decisive goal.
SUU claimed a 15-4 advantage in shots on the night, including a nine to four on-goal tally. The T-birds also earned nine corners while only surrendering five, and only committed five fouls compared to 16 for the Royals. Jennifer Kovisto earned the clean sheet on the night while collecting two saves in goal.
Dating back to last season, Southern Utah now owns a five-match winning streak. The Thunderbirds closed the 2021 spring season by defeating Weber State, Saint Katherine and Idaho State twice. Through the winning streak, SUU has only surrendered a single goal.
The T-Birds will look to keep their winning ways alive and sweep the road trip when they take on UC Irvine Sunday afternoon. Sunday's contest is slated for 2 p.m. MT and will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
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