Wolverines and Redhawks Draw 1-1 in WAC Opener

UVU and Seattle U go into overtime and can’t break the deadlock

Christian Ledek | Sports Writer | @sea_led

Orem, UT – The Utah Valley University women’s soccer team tied Seattle University Saturday night in the WAC opener 1-1 at Clyde Field.

The Wolverines are now 5-4-1 on the year and the Redhawks are now 5-2-2.

Seattle came out ready to go from the start of the opening whistle keeping possession in Utah Valley’s defensive half of the field most of the first ten minutes. No real scoring opportunities came of it though, and the Wolverines settled into the game as it was back and forth with no goals as the half time whistle blew.

The second half began with more of the same. No team could gain an edge over the other. UVU was able to score through Sara Callister in the 62^nd minute. She blocked a clearance from Seattle goalkeeper Brianna Smallidge and then fired a shot home in the top right corner. The lead would only last ten minutes, as Seattle would equalize in the 72^nd minute. Karli White intercepted a back pass from UVU’s defense and was able to trickle her shot in the bottom right corner for the goal.

There would be no more scoring the rest of the way, including the overtime period that consisted of two ten minute halves. All in all, it was a good result for a Seattle team that was opening up conference play on the road.

“I thought we played better in the first half than we did the second half,” said Seattle University head coach Woodward. “A lot of that credit goes to Utah Valley. They were ready and prepared. To leave her with a tie against a tough opponent, that part of me is pleased.”

Head coach of the Wolverines Brent Anderson was pleased with his team’s performance as well.

“I like the trajectory we’re on,” he said. “We’re cleaning things up defensively. We’re starting to look more dangerous at building the attack.”

Anderson continued about his team’s performance.

“We knew Seattle would be tough. They’ve been the class of the conference the last two years,” he said. “The team played really well tonight, though it did take us a little bit to get going.”

The Wolverines next conference game is on the road at the University of Missouri Kansas City, Thursday October 2 at 6 p.m. MT.