Following a split series with Kansas and Houston, the University of Utah Women’s Soccer team (8-5-5, 5-3-3 Big 12) returned to the field for their final set of games for the regular season. On Sunday, the Utes took on the Baylor Bears for their final home game of the year. Then, on Friday, Utah traveled east to take on the Colorado Buffaloes on the road.
Baylor
Looking to continue their momentum, Utah returned to Ute Field on Sunday to battle with Baylor in a Big 12 conference match-up. The game opened with an early yellow-card, which the Bears’ Natalie Vatter earned in the sixth minute.
Baylor found themselves with some early offensive opportunities, earning three corner-kicks in the first 12 minutes. Additionally, the Bears were the first to attempt a shot, missing the net out-left in the ninth minute.
Despite the offensive chances for Baylor, it was the Utes who found the back of the net first. In just Utah’s second shot of the game, Kelly Bullock scored in the 17th minute and Taliana Kaufusi and Devi Dudley were awarded assists on the play. The play marked Bullock’s second goal of the year, with her scoring crucial goals in consecutive games.
From there, the Utes outplayed the Bears offensively, putting up eight shots in the remaining time as opposed to Baylor’s one. With the Utes maintaining their one-goal lead, both teams headed into halftime looking to produce in the second half.
Six minutes into the second half, Utah’s Brooklyn Blaylock earned a yellow card, the team’s first. Looking to knot the score, the Bears were eager to get on the board. Baylor had two early shots in the half, with both sailing over the top of the net.
The Bears continued to attack, earning seven shots in the period. Furthermore, Baylor earned seven corner-kick opportunities, seven more than the Utes. Despite the plethora of chances, the Bears were unable to convert.
With less than three minutes remaining, Lillah Blum netted the Utes’ second goal of the game, sealing the deal. The 2-0 Utah victory consisted of 16 shots, two saves and one corner-kick.
Colorado
Coming off the home victory, the Utes took to the road for their final game of the regular season. On Friday night, Utah matched up with the Colorado Buffaloes in Boulder. Looking to end the season on a high note, the Utes aspired to gain the early advantage.
Utah came out firing in the first half, putting up 11 shots in the period. With an early attack that consisted of four shots, two of which were shots-on-goal from Kaufusi, the Utes attempted the tone for the game.
In the 17th minute, Colorado’s Shyra James earned the only yellow-card of the match. Roughly seven minutes later, the Utes found themselves with another scoring chance, but Bella Woods’ shot-on-goal was stopped by the Buffalo goaltender.
Later, in the span of less than a minute, Utah attempted four quick shots and had a corner-kick opportunity. Three saves from Nytes Jordan prevented the Utes from getting on the board, though, and the game remained scoreless.
Further back-and-forth battle led the game into halftime with both teams knotted at zero. The Utes had five more shots than the Buffaloes in the half, while Colorado posted an impressive seven saves.
In the second half, strong defensive efforts from both teams continued to be the star of the show. The Utes opened the half with a quick shot-on-goal from Bullock, which was saved yet again by Jordan.
Colorado then earned two corner-kicks early in the period, but was unable to convert on either attempt, with one being saved by Utah’s Kasey Wardle. From there, a Colorado offensive barrage began, as the Buffaloes put-up four unanswered shots. Thankfully for the Utes, Wardle saved two of the shots and the other two were off target.
As the half continued, both teams were eager to get on the board, but despite their wishes, the stalemate remained. In the final two minutes of play, the Buffaloes gave it their all to score a late goal. Despite their three corner-kicks and five shots, the Utes stood strong and prevented a potential goal.
The final seconds ticked off the clock, leaving the match drawn, 0-0. The game finished with a collective 37 shots and 23 fouls between the two teams. Utah’s Wardle earned the shut-out with eight saves.
Next Up
With the conclusion of the regular season, the Utes are off to the Big-12 Tournament. Utah finished the season with zero losses in their final five games. They will travel to Kansas City next week and their match-up has yet to be determined.
j.marriott@dailyutahchronicle.com
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