CEDAR CITY, Utah -- After a back-and-forth game on Thursday, Oct. 12, the Southern Utah University soccer team secured their first home win of the season against the Abilene Christian University Wildcats. With the 3-2 win under their belt, the Thunderbirds find themselves 2-3-1 in the conference and 2-8-5 overall. ACU now stands at 2-4 in conference play and 7-7-1 overall.

Thirteen minutes into the game, Thunderbird midfielder Mayu Yamamoto scored the first goal of the contest on a rebound from a Chiaki Takase free kick. ACU followed suit less than five minutes later when Baylie Simon assisted Jillian Beck and tying up the score. The teams stayed at one goal apiece for the rest of the first half. 

Near the beginning of the second half, Southern Utah scored their second goal of the game. Steph Roper made an impressive defensive play and netted her first career goal in a Thunderbird uniform. Yet again, ACU didn't let SUU hold the lead for long. Wildcat forward Jordan Michie scored her team's second goal less than three minutes later. 

Just before the game came to a close, in the 84th minute, senior Ashley Rivera scored the Thunderbirds' third goal on an assist from Whitney Gardner her fifth of the season, breaking the tie and ultimately giving SUU the 3-2 win. 

This was a critical win for Southern Utah, helping them stay in the hunt for the playoffs. The Thunderbirds will host another home game on Sunday, Oct. 15, at 12 p.m. against Tarleton State University. 

Quotes from Kai Edwards
"Good team performance today. Getting three goals is great. Slowing down a top WAC striker was a key and our backs did that. The group was sharp and got three quality points at home. We enjoy tonight and tomorrow and then get ready for a tough and competitive Tarleton State."

Written by: Heather Turner

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