CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- After leading for 87 minutes, the Thunderbirds lose a heartbreaker to the University of Northern Iowa. 

Southern Utah started the scoring with a beautiful side-net finish from Sammie Sofonia off of a great ball by Whitney Gardner in the 15th minute. Skylar Cano would net her first goal for SUU and the Thunderbirds took a 2-0 lead into halftime. 

The Panthers were relentless the entire game, amassing 30 totals shots, and 15 shots on net. It wasn't until the 76th minute that they finally broke through on a Macy Smith breakaway that cut SUU's lead to one. As time continued to wind down the chances continued for UNI and Lauren Heinsch squeezed the equalizer just over the out stretched hands of goalkeeper Julia Ortega in the 88th minute. 

A set-piece corner kick in the 90th minute would bounce around in the box for a moment before trickling into the net to give the Panthers a 3-2 win. 

Quotes from Coach Kai

"Give a ton of credit to UNI for not giving up and earning this win. As a team we lacked constant attention to detail, which is what it takes to win at his level. That is my responsibility as a head coach, we weren't ready detail wise to win that game. We will get home and get some much needed rest and be ready for Nevada."

Skylar Cano led the team with four total shots and two shots on goal. Aubrey Murray again played all 90 minutes along with Ortega.

The Thunderbirds will be back home on Friday Aug 25 to take on the University of Nevada at 4 p.m. MT. 

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