JACKSON, Miss. - The Southern Utah University women's soccer team continued their record-setting opening weekend, defeating Jackson State 1-0 and securing their third consecutive victory to begin the season for the first time in program history. Today's win also represents the most consecutive road victories over Division I opponents in Southern Utah women's soccer history. 

"We've played three games in four days in high heat and humidity, and Jackson State is a very competitive team, and our team didn't just match them, we started at a high level and maintained that intensity throughout the game," said SUU Head Coach Kai Edwards. "It was our first close game of the year and we showed up."

For the third straight contest, the Thunderbirds were on the attack early, earning four corner kicks in the first eight minutes. SUU starting goalkeeper Megan Short was also tested early for the first time this season, coming up with a huge save in a one-on-one situation five minutes in to keep the score at 0-0.

Southern Utah earned their fifth corner kick in the 16th minute and it proved to be the most important play of the match. Sophomore Hailey Hamtaka laced a high corner kick that sailed past the goalie and went into the back of the net, giving the T-Birds a 1-0 lead.

The teams went back-and-forth for the remaining 29 minutes of the first half, combining for seven shots, but neither team managed to score again, as Southern Utah maintained a 1-0 advantage going into halftime. 

SUU began the second half similar to the first, coming out with a high level of intensity and creating quality offensive opportunities early. The Thunderbirds earned two corner kicks in the first nine minutes of the second period but were unable to convert, as the lead remained 1-0.

Jackson State pressed their attack over the final 25 minutes; but, the Southern Utah back line held strong, keeping the JSU offense in check, and Short came up with a couple of big saves, as the Thunderbirds held on to earn the 1-0 victory.

Playing in intense heat and humidity, today's performance was a complete team effort, resulting in the best start to a single season in Southern Utah women's soccer history. 

Notable Stats

• Megan Short earned the complete game shutout in goal for SUU, tallying seven saves throughout the match. 

• SUU spent 71 percent of their possession time on Jackson State's half of the field.

• In three contests, Southern Utah has now outscored their opponents 18-0.

• The Thunderbirds earned 10 corner kicks throughout the match compared to JSU's six.

• Today's win marked the first time in the history of Southern Utah soccer that they have won three straight road contests against Division I opponents.

Coach Edwards Postgame Interview

Up Next

Southern Utah will return to Cedar City to host their first home match of the season this Thursday, August 25, against UTEP. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 PM MT. 

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