CEDAR CITY, UTAH -- Scoring goals is the objective of every attacking unit, and Southern Utah enters the 2026 season with a forward group that has the speed, intelligence and finishing ability to create problems for opposing defenses.

With proven production returning and an exciting freshman joining the mix, first-year head coach Steven Lindquist believes the Thunderbirds have the pieces in place to be dangerous in the final third.

Leading the group is returning forward Kayleigh Acree, who emerged as one of Southern Utah's biggest offensive threats during the spring season. Lindquist expects her breakout performances to carry into the fall.

"Kayleigh had a breakout spring," Lindquist said. "She has pace for days, and that's something that can change a game. Her ability to stretch defenses opens up so many opportunities for us."

Joining her is freshman Gracen Blieschke, a highly skilled attacker whose technical ability and soccer IQ have already caught the coaching staff's attention. Lindquist believes the newcomer has all the tools to make an immediate impact.

"Grayson is a two-footed ball striker with a really high soccer IQ," Lindquist said. "She can finish with either foot, reads the game well and understands how to find dangerous spaces."

Perhaps most exciting is the potential partnership between the two forwards. Lindquist expects their complementary skill sets to create matchup problems throughout the season.

"Those two are going to be a problem for people," Lindquist said. "Kayleigh's pace and Gracen's ability on the ball complement each other really well, and we're excited to see what they can do together."

The Thunderbirds also feature additional depth in the attacking third, giving the coaching staff multiple options to rotate throughout matches while maintaining pressure on opposing back lines. That depth will be important as Southern Utah looks to play with energy and purpose over the course of the season.

There is also the addition of Blieschke's former teammate in Australia, Miley Grigg, who hasn't made it to campus yet, but will more than likely be an outstanding forward for the Thunderbirds.

While the forwards will be tasked with finishing chances, Lindquist's attacking philosophy extends beyond simply scoring goals. The group will be expected to press, create space for teammates and work in tandem with the midfield to generate sustained offensive pressure.

With a returning playmaker ready to build on a strong spring and a freshman capable of making an immediate impact, Southern Utah's attack has the potential to be one of the team's most exciting storylines this fall.

Forwards: Kayleigh Acree - 5'8 Sr., Ashlyn O'Malley - 5'9, Fr., Melissa Tatar - 5'4, Fr., Bridget Guevara - 5'11, So., Gracen Blieschke - 5'6, Fr., Miley Grigg - 5'5, Fr., Ashtyn Ivey - 5'3, R-Jr.

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