Weber State University Athletics
Weber State University
Utah
'Cats drop nail-biter to Utes
9/17/2011 5:33:00 AM | Women's Soccer
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - The Weber State University women's soccer team is getting closer, but unfortunately for the Wildcats, the door is still firmly hinged shut.
Despite commanding play for long stretches of both halves, Weber State suffered a 1-0 setback to instate rival Utah on Friday night at Ute Field.
Weber State, which dropped its fifth 1-0 decision of the season, fell to 1-6-0, while Utah improved to 3-4-1 with its third win in four matches.
Utah scored the only goal of the match in the 50th minute, with Ute freshman Avery Ford hitting a long-ranged shot after a turnover for the 1-0 advantage.
Weber State had a pair of fantastic opportunities in the final 20 minutes, with sophomore forward Felicia Sortor twice breaking through the Utes' defense in 1-on-1 opportunities, but including one that went off the crossbar.
Senior forward Jessie Baddley also forced a free kick just off the 18 that saw Utah goalkeeper Hannah Turpen make a strong save on to force a corner. That corner set off a massive scramble in front of the goal that saw the ball repeatedly kicked until it was cleared by the Utes.
The Wildcats and Utes battled fiercely during a switching first half that saw each take control for 15 minute stretches of play.
Utah finished the opening half with a 6-5 advantage in shots, including three from forward Erin Dalley.
Each team had a quality opportunity to score, with Sortor ringing one off the crossbar in the 38th minute. The Wildcats also had a strong sequence that saw Jessie Baddley place a terrific pass across the goalmouth, that was missed by mere inches as senior Collette Simmons attempted to head it in far post.
Next up for the Wildcats is New Mexico State at Noon on Sunday at Wildcat Soccer Field.
It will be the first match of the season at home for Weber State. The Aggies are 6-2-1 on the season after drawing Idaho State 1-1 in double overtime on Friday. NMSU is riding a seven-match unbeaten streak since starting the season 0-2-0.
