CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Southern Utah University women's soccer team fought until the final whistle but came up short, falling to Cal State Fullerton 2-1 in a highly competitive match.

"Fullerton is one of the better teams in the country," said SUU Head Coach Kai Edwards. "For us to go up a goal early in the game and then get scored on twice, but continue to keep going at them, it was very impressive from our team. We haven't played against a team of that skill level in a long time, and it was awesome to see us go toe-to-toe with a team that strong."

The Titans went on the attack early in the match, recording two shots and forcing SUU goalkeeper Megan Short to make a save in the first five minutes; but, the T-Birds found themselves in a three-on-one counterattack six and a half minutes in with Whitney Wangsgard leading the charge. Southern Utah executed the counterattack to perfection, as Wangsgard took the ball to the edge of the CSUF box, drawing the lone Titan defender to her, before making a high-quality pass to Kate Schirmer. Schirmer did the rest, lacing a beautiful strike past the Titans goalkeeper that went just inside the left post and found the back of the net, giving SUU a 1-0 lead just seven minutes into the match.

Cal State Fullerton battled back, scoring a goal of their own 25 minutes in, as Kaytlin Brinkman managed to score off of a cross from Kaylin Raibon, evening up the match.

The two teams went back and forth for the remainder of the first period, as both teams had an impressive showing from their midfielders and back-line in what was a tightly contested first half.

Southern Utah and CSUF each maintained 50 percent of possession time in the first period, and SUU had five corner kicks compared to the Titans' four.

The Second half began similarly to the first, with Cal State Fullerton going on the offensive early, forcing Short to pick up another save six minutes into the period.

SUU then created a few quality opportunities of their own, as Rachael Hunt dribbled past the Titans right back at the 56-minute mark, placing a quality shot on target and forcing CSUF goalkeeper Mia Ranson to make a tough save to keep the score tied at one goal apiece.

In the 63rd minute, Fullerton broke through, as midfielder Maddie Kline received a pass from Isabella Cruz and found the back of the net on an impressive shot that landed in the top left portion of the goal, just out of Short's reach.

Down 2-1, the Thunderbirds refused to give up, picking up their level of play and intensity down the stretch and putting tremendous pressure on Fullerton's defense.

After failing to score on multiple quality chances, freshman Sammie Sofonia beat two defenders and ripped a shot that just barely went wide right of the goal in the 87th minute, as Fullerton held on to pick up the victory over SUU.

Notable Stats:

• Southern Utah recorded eight shots throughout the match, five of which were on goal.

• Whitney Wangsgard's assist was her first of the season.

• SUU spent over half of their possession time on Fullerton's side of the field.

• Southern Utah will enter conference play with a 5-1 record, representing the most wins and highest winning percentage entering conference play in SUU soccer history.

Coach Edwards Postgame Interview

Up Next

The Thunderbirds will have some time off before returning to the field on Friday, September 16, where they will begin conference play by hosting UTRGV.

Follow Us

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