The Southern Utah University women’s soccer team almost held onto their first win streak of the season before Tarleton State University equalized the game late, leading to a 1-1 tie on Sunday, Oct. 19 at the Thunderbird Soccer Field.
Coming off their third win in a 1-0 game versus Abilene Christian, SUU had another strong defensive performance, holding Tarleton State to three shots all game with only a single shot in the first 78 minutes.
SUU moved to 3-9-3 with a conference record of 2-4-1, while Tarleton State sits at 7-6-4 with a conference record of 1-4-2.
First half
It was all Thunderbirds in the first half. The first 11 minutes saw no shots, but SUU had all six shots over the next eight minutes, with one on-target.
Tarleton State goalie Rylie Bloomfield had two saves in the first half. The junior from Yucaipa, California made her second start of the year, playing all 90 minutes and recording five saves.
On the other end of the pitch, SUU redshirt senior keeper Jazmyn Brass had zero saves in 90 minutes. SUU’s defense made it easy for Brass, holding Tarleton State to zero shots from the 21 minute mark to the 78 minute mark.
Senior forward Sarah Assumma had three shots in the first half, while the other five were recorded by different T-Birds. She now leads the Thunderbirds in points.
Second half
The first four shots of the second half were all from SUU, with three from redshirt senior forward Whitney Gardner. Gardner remains the team leader in shots and on-target shots, and is second in goals, assists and points.
The fourth shot of the half was the game’s first goal, scored by Assumma and assisted by defender Nao Yasuda. The junior from Osaka, Japan leads SUU in assists with four.
With time running out for the Texans at the 86 minute mark, senior forward Avery Harr scored from an assist by senior midfielder Jaycie Bass. Harr became the fourth Tarleton State player with at least four goals.
SUU stayed aggressive with two on-target shots in the next two minutes, and looked like they made an incredible game-winning play as they found the back of the net with just seconds left. However, the team was ruled offside, and the goal wasn’t counted.
Other top SUU players include midfielder Aubrie Labno and defenders Brooklyn Bradley and Aubrey Murray, who all played 90 minutes. Freshman forward Carly Radke was the only other T-Bird with more than one shot.
Upcoming schedule
SUU doesn’t have any more home games this season. Their next game is at Clyde Field in Orem, Utah versus Utah Valley University on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. The game will also be streamed live on ESPN+.
Author: Payson Davis
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Jack Paul
