Utah
18th-Minute Goal Holds Up to Carry Utah to 1-0 Win vs. Cal Poly
9/1/2019 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
SALT LAKE CITY — Courtney Talbot tallied the go-ahead goal in the 18th minute for the Utah women's soccer team on Sunday, sending the Utes to a 1-0 win over visiting Cal Poly, which closed its season-opening stretch of four straight road games.
Olivia Ortiz took the afternoon's first shot for the Mustangs (12'), but her attempt angled wide. Then midway through the first half, Utah (2-2-0) moved in front beginning when Ireland Dunn sent a cross into the box to her left, delivered from just in front of the end line.
Talbot was on the receiving end, and from 7 yards out, chipped over the last line of Cal Poly's defense and beyond senior goalkeeper Sophia Brown, arcing into the left side of the net to provide the game-winner.
Sidra Bugsch forced a save from Utah keeper Carly Nelson in the 27th minute, and Nikki Trucco also placed a look on frame prior to intermission (40'), but Nelson — twice named Pac-12 Goalkeeper of the Week in 2018 — again was in position for the save.
Thirteen minutes into the second half, Jordan Patane tested Nelson with a low, centered shot, but Nelson again came up with a stop. Then in the 70th minute, Bugsch almost found the equalizer, but her shot sailed over the crossbar.
Megan Hansen also created a chance just under seven minutes from regulation full-time, but her shot lofted high, and the Utes, who were slotted 36th in the Preseason Coaches Poll (11th in the others-receiving-votes category), were able to come up with clearances the rest of the way to hold on for the win.
Brown made six saves on the day, increasing her career total to 290, 17 back of No. 2 in school history.
Cal Poly (0-3-1) now preps for its home opener, Friday, Sept. 6 against Pepperdine (1-2-1) at 7 p.m. Free schedule posters will be handed out to the first 250 fans at Alex G. Spanos Stadium.
Photo Courtesy © Juventino Ortiz
