CEDAR CITY, UTAH -- The Thunderbirds improve to 2-5-2 on the year with a 2-1 win over Big Sky opponent Sacramento State. Whitney Gardner played hero for SUU, scoring both goals. 

Head Coach Kai Edwards said

"Good result today. Scored two goals and one from a set play. The movement up top was very good and helped create many chances. Chelsea (Loeser) hit the post twice on free kicks today which was good to see her being dangerous. Defensively, as a unit, we have given up one goal in the last six halves of soccer, so you have to like that."

Game Recap

Sacramento State opened the scoring when a rebound off of SUU goalkeeper Darya Mosallaei landed at the feet of Ariana Scholten. Just 15 minutes into the match, the Hornets had a 1-0 lead. 

The Thunderbirds created four corner kick opportunities in the first half, and Rylan Tebbs executed a beautiful set-piece, playing the ball short to Whitney Gardener, who created space and flicked an excellent ball just over the outstretched hands of Sacramento State goalkeeper Izzy Palmatier. The teams entered the half tied 1-1. 

Just ten minutes into the second half, Gardner once again found herself in a dangerous spot in the final third off a quality pass from Sarah Assumma. Once again, Gardner was somehow able to chip one over Palmatier, and it would prove to be the game-winner. 

Chelsea Loeser was phenomenal on free kicks, with one landing on the crossbar and another hitting the inside of the post and ricocheting all the way across the goal line. 

Statistical Recap

The Thunderbirds had 14 shots, four of which were on target, compared to the Hornets' nine shots and just three on net. 

Steph Roper, Loeser, and Gardner each had four shots to lead the team. Loeser had one end up on frame, and Gardner led the team with three of her shots on target. 

Darya Mosallaei finished the game with two saves. 

Rylan Tebbs, Aubrey Murray, Jenna Grider, and Adelayo Oguntade were all phenomenal defensively for SUU, and each played the full 90 minutes. 

Whitney Gardner has moved into a tie for third place all-time in SUU history for total points with 42. And she now sits in fifth place all-time in total goals scored with 15. 

Up Next

The Thunderbirds will hit the road for their final non-conference match of the season at Northern Arizona University on Sunday, September 22 at 2:00 p.m.

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