The Southern Utah University soccer team continued their first Big Sky road trip of the season Sunday afternoon in Missoula, Montana with a match against the Grizzlies of Montana. Both teams put on a strong defensive showing, allowing just one goal between them. Unfortunately, the lone goal came on a late Grizzly free kick and Montana would go on to win the match 1-0.
“We played a great game. It was a very competitive conference game and I thought we put on a fantastic performance,” head coach Fred Thompson said. “The defense made a lot of progress today and we are still getting better as a team and we have an awful lot to be proud of.”
The first half came to an end with both teams getting several good looks, but neither being able to break through. Kaitlyn Caldera made five saves on her way to shutting out the Grizzlies in the first half. MaKenzie Lawrence had the best look for Southern Utah in the first half, but her shot was blocked by a Grizzly defender.
Both teams came out strong defensively once again in the second half, but the Griz were the first to break through in the 79th minute. A Thunderbird penalty gave Montana a free kick from just beyond the top of the box. Janessa Fowler sent the kick into the box where Allie Lucas was able to redirect it past Caldera to give the Griz a late 1-0 lead.
“Over the next three weeks we will only be on the road for two days when we go to Eastern next Sunday,” Thompson said. “It will be nice to have that extra day of training and I’m excited to finally be at home for a spell.”
The Thunderbirds will return home and prepare for their first Big Sky home match on Friday September 29th when they host the Idaho Vandals.
Stay up to date during the 2017 Thunderbird Soccer season by following them on Twitter and Instagram and by liking their page on Facebook.
Story By
SUU Athletic Strategic Communications
