CEDAR CITY, UTAH -- The SUU Soccer team scored the first goal of the 2026 season, but allowed three unanswered from the College of Charleston in a 3-1 loss in the season opener.
Head Coach Steven Lindquist said
YOUTUBE
Game Recap
The Thunderbirds wasted no time in scoring the season opener. Junior forward Kayleigh Acree, who had a breakout spring season, put a shot on net that was saved by the goalkeeper, but the T-Birds retained possession. Gracen Blieschke found Acree again, and this time she would not be denied.
SUU took a 1-0 lead just 11 minutes into the match.
It wasn't until the 30th minute that the Cougars were able to find the equalizer off the right foot of Kassy Uzelman.
Just four minutes later, the Cougars scored the eventual game winner courtesy of Bella Antonio.
Freshman Madeline Buczyna nearly scored an equalizer in the 42nd minute, but ultimately the first half would come to a close with the Thunderbirds trailing by one goal.
In the 57th minute, freshman defender Ashlyn Woodbury committed a foul in the box and College of Charleston capitalized with Bella Antonio scoring her brace from the dot.
The score would hold 3-1 for the remainder of the 90 minutes.
Statistical Recap
Nao Yasuda and Rylan Tebbs led the Thunderbirds with the full 90 minutes played, Acree, Blieschke, and Brooklyn Bradley all logged over 70 minutes.
Kayleigh Acree was dominant in the attacking third. Leading the team with three total shots, and two on target.
Freshman goalkeeper Tatum Trout recorded two saves on 14 total shots.
SUU earned two corners, and drew 13 fouls.
Dakota Hansen did get a booking, receiving a yellow card for unsporting in the 27th minute.
Up Next
The T-Birds will have a quick turnaround on their East Coast trip, taking on South Carolina State on Friday, August 14, at 5:00 p.m.
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