EDINBURG, Texas -- On Thursday, Oct. 5, the Southern Utah University women's soccer team traveled to Edinburg, Texas to take on the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros in a conference matchup and came away with a 2-1 comeback victory.
As has been a theme with the Thunderbirds this season, the first half was a defensive battle, with only six shots on goal between the two teams. This trend held until the 44th minute, just ten seconds before halftime when Vaqueros graduate student Jeweleen Reuille was found on the cross by junior Sydney Hammond, resulting in a goal for UTRGV, giving them the lead at half 1-0.
SUU applied the offensive pressure to open up the second half, and in the 59th minute freshman Steph Roper connected on a quick touch pass to redshirt sophomore Whitney Gardner for the equalizer.
Hungry for the win, the Thunderbirds would not let up, in the 68th minute, when junior Allison Keller took a shot from near midfield and was able to sneak it by the goalie, giving SUU the lead 2-1.
The Thunderbirds held on to win 2-1, the 100th win in program history, moving them to 1-7-5 overall and 1-2-1 in conference play. The loss slides UTRGV to 3-8-2 overall and 1-4 in conference play.
Quote from Kai Edwards
Down a goal at the half, hadn't won in a while and they came out in the 2nd half with a big-time performance. I couldn't be more proud of this team. In the rain after a long travel day and have to come together and have confidence no matter the situation. Chiaki (Takase) played a great ball and (Steph) Roper with absolute discipline picks out Whitney for the equalizer. Second goal came from a leader and a senior with quality technique Keller stepped up in a big moment. We will enjoy the next 24 hours and not even think about Sunday yet. Right now we will enjoy this.
Up Next
The Thunderbirds will continue their roadtrip on Sunday, Oct. 8, when they take on Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches, Texas. Kickoff will be at 11 a.m. MST and can be streamed on ESPN+.
Written by: Aiden Mortensen
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