Men’s soccer: UVU drops conference opener to SU

Photo by Jesse Sanchez

SEATTLE—Seattle University appears to have the Utah Valley University men’s soccer team’s number after a 2-0 win over the Wolverines Friday. The Wolverines (7-3, 0-1 WAC) fell to 0-3-2 all-time against the Redhawks.

“We had different intentions coming in here. The guys had been fantastic this week in training, we’re getting a little bit healthier,” said UVU head coach Greg Maas. “We had 10 minutes of a spell where we gave up a couple goals and forced us to chase the game.”

The Redhawks frustrated the Wolverines and controlled the match from start to finish. After a pair of early SU corner kick attempts, UVU had its first attempt at the goal in the 11th minute. The Wolverines worked the ball through the Redhawk defense to the mouth of the goal and Connor fired at goalkeeper Jordan Hadden, who deflected Salmon’s shot to Alec Felix. After he gathered the deflection, Felix took a shot from the left side of the box, but his attempt sailed wide right of the target.

SU managed to flip the pitch quickly for both goals, which came in rapid succession. Jeff Rose pushed the ball up the left sideline in the 20th minute, then served a cross to the front of the goal toward Sergio Rivas. The ball pulled goalkeeper Elliott Rubio off his line and Rivas’ shot beat Rubio to the back corner of the net.

“Over commitment on the defending side of the ball and they got in behind us. A good secondary run by Sergio Rivas and a good finish,” said Maas. “Credit to them, they took advantage of a moment and we didn’t respond well because we gave up a goal shortly thereafter.”

Not two minutes later, SU took advantage of another opportunity with a ball at the mouth of the goal. David Olsen sent a pass from the right side of the goal across the front of the goal to Sam Langston, who easily sent the ball into the back of the net passed a scrambling Rubio.

Not long after the second goal, tempers flared as Skyler Milne was taken down by Ozzie Ramos. Milne got in Ramos’ face and a shoving match ensued among several players. After the players were separated, referee Daniel Radford resumed play without assessing a caution to either player.

Despite a multitude of opportunities, UVU kept SU off the board in the second half. However, the Wolverines were unable to put together a sustainable attack and managed just three shots in the final 45 minutes.

In the closing minutes, Matt Gay and Ramos made a play at a 50/50 ball at midfield. Ramos slid into the ball as Gay kicked at it, but instead his foot came down on Ramos’ leg. Gay was assessed a red car and was sent off for the final minute.

The Wolverines return home to continue conference play against the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners Thursday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m. MT at Clyde Field.