CEDAR CITY, UTAH -- The Southern Utah Soccer team will play on the Thunderbird Soccer Field for the first time in 2026. After five straight road matches, the Thunderbirds return to Cedar City to play host to UC Irvine.

Head Coach Steven Lindquist said

"Extremely excited to finally be back home and play in front of our fans after a long stretch on the road to start out the year. Looking forward to getting out and competing with one of the perennial top teams in the southwest region!"

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Match Details

Who: Southern Utah (2-3-0) vs UC Irvine (0-2-2)

When: Thursday, September 3 at 4:00 p.m.

Where: Thunderbird Soccer Field in Cedar City, Utah

Watch: ESPN+

Live Stats: HERE

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The Thunderbirds

SUU is coming off a frustrating loss in Sacramento, where the T-Birds scored first for the fourth time this season and held a 1-0 lead at halftime. But two second-half goals from the Hornets ultimately led to a 2-1 loss for the Thunderbirds.

The Thunderbirds are yet to score multiple times in a game this season, but have shown they have the offensive power to do so.

The Thunderbirds' four goals this year have come from four different players: Gracen Blieschke, Sophia Memory, Kayleigh Acree, and Halle Cowan.

Blieschke leads the team in points with a goal and an assist; she also leads the team with 12 total shots and six shots on target.

Ashytn Ivey and Ashlyn O'Malley have also recorded assists on the year.

Freshman Tatum Trout has earned the nod as goalkeeper and has 18 saves on 54 total shots faced. 

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The Anteaters

UC Irvine is still winless through four contests this year, but has had a brutal schedule so far. Big Sky opponent Utah Tech tied the Anteaters 1-1 in the season opener, followed by a 6-0 loss to the No. 1 team in the country, Stanford.

Last time out, UC Irvine came back to earn a 1-1 draw against Grand Canyon.

Chifumi Sasaki is the only player to score for the Anteaters this season; UC Irvine's goal against Utah Tech was an own goal.

Mimi Dominguez leads the team with six total shots and three shots on goal.

Savanna Arruda has played all 360 minutes in between the pipes this season, with a 2.5 GAA and a 54% SV%.

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Follow Us

For all the latest on Southern Utah Soccer, follow @SUUSoccer on Twitter and Instagram and like the Southern Utah Soccer Facebook page.

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