CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA -- The Thunderbirds kicked off their third game in six days this morning at 8:00 a.m. MT in extreme heat conditions at The Citadel Bulldogs. Sophia Memory scored a goal just before halftime, and some unbelievable goalkeeping from Tatum Trout gave the Thunderbirds a 1-0 victory.
Head Coach Steven Lindquist said
"Extremely proud of the team. These were tough conditions, we played three games in six days, and we still came out and battled. It was awesome to see Mems get that goal, the work she has put in to get back here behind the scenes was extraordinary and it's great to see it be rewarded. Excited to get back home and keep the momentum going!"
Game Recap
The Southern Utah Soccer team was able to keep the ball in The Citadel's half for nearly the first 20 minutes of the match. The Thunderbirds recorded eight shots in the first half, and all of them were on target.
The Bulldogs responded with some quality chances of their own, a shot that glanced off the crossbar and another that forced SUU goalkeeper Trout to make a diving save.
With three minutes remaining in the first half, some forward pressure from the Thunderbirds led to a takeaway by Ashtyn Ivey, who was able to send a ball in to Sophia Memory, who lifted a shot over the hands of the Bulldogs' keeper and into the back of the net.
The half closed with SUU leading 1-0.
Both teams were able to create many quality chances in the second half, but the veteran-heavy backline for the Thunderbirds always seemed to have the answer.
The Citadel really turned up the pressure and forced a turnover that led to Brooklyn Bradley committing a penalty inside the box. In the 76th minute, the Bulldogs stood at the dot with a chance to equalize, but true freshman goalkeeper Tatum Trout made an incredible kick-save and the T-Birds were able to clear the ball and hold on for the remaining 14 minutes.
SUU improves to 2-1-0 on the season.
Statistical Recap
Southern Utah was aggressive throughout the match, but also very accurate. Ten of the Thunderbirds' 13 shots landed on target and forced the Bulldogs' keeper to make a save.
Gracen Blieschke and Memory led the team with three shots on goal each. Sicily Clark had two shots with one on target; Ashtyn Ivey also had a shot on goal to go along with her assist.
Bradley and Ivey were each assessed a yellow card.
SUU earned two corner kicks and drew seven fouls in the match.
This is the second shutout in a row for the Thunderbirds, and once again, Rylan Tebbs and Nao Yasuda played the full 90 minutes on the back line. Suika Shibutani also played the full 90 for SUU.
True freshman goalkeeper Tatum Trout earned her first career solo clean sheet. Making four saves on 12 total shots faced.
HIGHLIGHTS
Up Next
The Thunderbirds will take a much-deserved break before playing at the University of Utah on Saturday, August 22 at 3:00 p.m.
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