SUU Soccer Falls to Omaha

CEDAR CITY, UTAH -- The Thunderbirds led for 66 of the 90 minutes against the University of Nebraska at Omaha but conceded two late goals and ultimately lost 2-1.

The Thunderbirds fall to 0-3 on the year.

Head Coach Kai Edwards said

"We were able to score first for the first time this year which is good. And for the most part we played a good game versus a talented and mature team. We have a week to prepare for Eastern Washington and we will be focusing on controlling the controllables and finishing off a team."

Game Recap
Whitney Gardner got her first goal of the season on an assist from Steph Roper in the sixth minute of action. A quality pass in the final third from Roper led Gardner into a turn, and a one-touch strike from outside the 18-yard box sailed over the keeper's head for the Thunderbird lead.

The score would remain the same until the 72nd minute when Marissa Gohr chipped in a pass from Keara Chaffee. Just 10 minutes later, the Mavericks took the lead on a goal from Alyssa Kellar that trickled past the outstretched arms of Darya Mosallaei.

The Thunderbirds created a few more chances in the final eight minutes but could not tie the game.

Statistical Recap
The Thunderbirds again had more shots than their opponent, outshooting the Mavericks 10-7, including shots on goal, 6-5.

Chelsea Loeser, Gardner, and Roper all had two shots on goal, with Loeser leading the team in total shots with three.

True freshman Rylan Tebbs had a phenomenal game on the defensive side of the ball, coming up with many quality individual pieces of defense. She played the full 90 minutes.

Aubrey Murray and Sadie Santiago also played the full 90 minutes on defense.

Up Next
The Thunderbirds will wait a week to return to action when the Eagles of Eastern Washington come to Cedar City on Thursday, August 29. Kickoff will be at 2:00 p.m.

(Courtesy: suutbirds.com)