IRVINE, Calif. – After riding high from a season-opening win at Hope International, the Southern Utah University soccer team suffered its first defeat of the year in a 6-0 setback to UC Irvine at Anteater Stadium Sunday afternoon.

The loss dropped SUU to 1-1-0 on the year while the Anteaters improved to 1-1-0 after their season-opening loss to No. 5 UCLA.

"Today our team got an experience that will prepare us for the Big Sky," said SUU head coach Kai Edwards. "We saw some good moments, but we need to put more good moments together. We were able to play all 24 players who traveled with us and get them some significant minutes. We have another challenging match Thursday versus UNLV, but we are excited to develop and grow as the season goes on."

Despite the loss, one bright spot for the Thunderbirds was putting 75 percent of their shots on goal compared to 56 percent for Irvine. SUU also secured two corner kicks in the match and committed only nine fouls compared to 11 for the Anteaters.

Kamryn Farro had a strong individual performance for the T-Birds by compiling four total shots with three on target. Goalkeepers Jennifer Kovisto and Megan Short combined to make three saves on the day.  

The Thunderbirds will regroup before playing host to UNLV in their home opener later this week. The showdown with the Rebels will take place on Thursday, August 26 at 4:00 p.m. MT. The match will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

For all the latest on Southern Utah soccer, follow @SUUSoccer on Twitter and Instagram, and like the Southern Utah Soccer Facebook page.