SALT LAKE CITY – The No. 23 UCF women’s soccer team found itself on the wrong end of a 2-0 decision against Utah on Sunday afternoon at Ute Field in Salt Lake City.
The Knights dropped to 5-3-1 overall and 0-2-1 in Big 12 Conference play with the result, while the Utes improved to 4-5-2 on the season and 1-2-0 in league play with the victory.
Utah got off to a quick start an early goal from Florida transfer Sophie Bellini in the third minute to jump out to a 1-0 lead.
The Utes almost struck again just a couple of minutes later, but UCF defender Jada Silvest was there to make a nice team save.
With UCF looking to create chances and even the score, the Utes found the back of the net again in the 31st minute to extend their advantage to 2-0. Brooke Gardner headed home a corner kick at the far side of the box for the goal.
Utah nearly added another goal just before halftime, as a shot hit the crossbar before Black and Gold defender Bella Douglas cleared the ensuing attempt off the line for a team save.
Down a pair in the second half, Naomi Clark had an early chance for the Knights, but her shot was saved by Utah’s Anna Solomon to keep it a 2-0 score.
Payton Patrick and Ella Holloran later both had a couple of opportunities for the Black and Gold in the 61st and 62nd minutes but they were again saved by Solomon.
Jastel David looked to add to Utah’s lead in the 66th minute but UCF’s Kaïna Cesar made a fantastic save with a full extension dive to her right to deny the attempt.
The Knights pressed late and looked to get on the scoreboard, finishing with six shots in the second half, but couldn’t find the back of the net in the 2-0 setback.
Clark led the way with a pair of shots on goal while Cesar finished with four saves. In all, Utah outshot UCF 15-6 on the afternoon.
The Knights concluded their second trip in program history to the Beehive State with an 0-2 record after previously falling 3-1 at BYU on Thursday night.
Sunday’s contest marked UCF’s inaugural meeting with the Utes in Salt Lake City.
UP NEXT
The Knights will now return home to host No. 13/8 Colorado on Friday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. The match will mark UCF’s annual Space Game. Following Friday, the Black and Gold will return to the road to face the defending Big 12 champion TCU Horned Frogs in Fort Worth on Thursday, Oct. 8.
TICKETS
UCF women’s soccer season and single-game tickets are on sale now! Please visit ucfknights.com/tickets for more information or call the ticket office at (407) 823-1000.
ABOUT UCF ATHLETICS
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.