The Southern Utah University women’s soccer team finished their four-game homestand against the University of Denver on Sunday, Sept. 8. Denver had the offense rolling as they flew past Southern Utah. They scored 5-2, improving from 5-3 on the year, while the Thunderbirds fell to 1-4-1.
First half
The game was originally slated to start at 12:30 p.m. but was delayed due to lightning. Once the game started, the University of Denver came out firing. Senior midfielder Riley Baker got Denver on the board with a goal in the fifth minute. It didn’t take Southern Utah long to respond, as Chelsea Loeser found the back of the net off an assist from Steph Roper in the 12th minute.
Denver continued to pressure the backline of SUU, taking eight shots and having five corner kicks. The pressure was eventually too much and Liv Moritz broke the tie in the 28th minute. Denver ended with a lead of 2-1.
Second half
Moritz continued her stellar performance with another goal in the 61st minute assisted by Samantha Dreiling, her second of the year. Five minutes later, Denver added to their lead with a goal from Megan Murray, her third of the year.
The Thunderbirds answered back off the foot of Kiersi Fietkau as she scored her first goal of the season, cutting the lead to two. The Pioneers put the nail in the coffin with a goal in the 85th minute off the foot of Emma Thielbahr, securing the win for the University of Denver 5-2.
Key statistics
— Denver had 18 shots to Southern Utah’s six.
— All six of Southern Utah’s shots were on goal.
— Roper recorded a team high third assist on the year.
What’s next?
Southern Utah will travel to Idaho to take on Idaho State University on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. That game can be streamed on ESPN+.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: Katie Anderson
Editor: SUU News Copy Editor
