CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Southern Utah University women's soccer team will host in-state foe Utah Tech on Sunday in a matchup that features the top two teams in the Western Athletic Conference standings.

Game Info

Southern Utah vs Utah Tech

Date: October 2, 2022

Kickoff: 1 PM MT

Location: Cedar City, Utah 

Stream: ESPN+

Live Stream | Live Stats

Preview

Southern Utah has had a week off following a successful first conference road trip, during which they secured a 1-1 tie at ACU and 1-0 victory over Tarleton State this past Sunday.

The Thunderbirds and the Trailblazers currently sit in a tie atop the Western Athletic Conference standings, as both teams boast an impressive mark of 3-0-1 in conference play. 

Utah Tech is currently on an eight game unbeaten streak, and they hold an overall record of 7-2-1 this season, with marquee non-conference wins over Weber State and Idaho State.

Junior forward Karli Nyland has led the way for the Trailblazers on offense this year, starting all 10 games for Utah Tech and recording a team-high four goals this season. Fifth year senior Lauren Buxton has made a formidable running mate up top for the Trailblazers, amassing three goals this season, which ranks as second best on the team.

Utah Tech has been exceptional on the defensive side of the field this season, allowing only five goals and only one over their past eight matches. Senior goalkeeper Kayla Thompson has been stellar in the net for the Trailblazers this year, starting all 10 matches and tallying 39 total saves.

The Thunderbirds' high-powered offense, which ranks 13th in the nation, will look to get going early and put pressure on the Trailblazers backline and goalkeeper from the first whistle. In what has been a season full of broken records, SUU seeks to extend their record-setting start to conference play and become the first team in program history to be unbeaten through their first five conference games.

Southern Utah goalkeeper Megan Short has been phenomenal for the Thunderbirds this season, ranking ninth in the country in save percentage and 24th in goals against average.

Redshirt freshman Whitney Wangsgard has led the way for the T-Birds on offense in WAC play, as she has either scored or assisted in each conference match thus far. 

Tomorrow's match will likely have significant implications for both teams, as the Thunderbirds look to solidify themselves as a conference championship contender and take sole possession of first place in the WAC standings. 

Notable Stats:

• Southern Utah ranks 17th in the nation in points per game.

• Whitney Wangsgard ranks second in the conference in points per match.

• Megan Short leads the conference in save percentage while ranking second in goals against average and third in both total saves and saves per game.

• With a win or tie on Sunday, Southern Utah will become the first team in program history to be unbeaten through their first five conference games.

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