Utah Soccer Caps Solid Opening Weekend

August 24, 2015

CHICAGO - Utah soccer completed an unbeaten opening weekend with a 0-0 draw at No. 21 DePaul this afternoon. Lindsey Luke registered her 22nd career shutout as the Utes out-shot the Blue Demons, 14-7.

"We came through with a very gritty performance against a strong DePaul team and I was pleased with the fact we excepted all challenges," head coach Rich Manning said. "Over the weekend we have proven we have an excellent defensive team. Our backline, goalkeeper, midfielders and forwards have all done a nice job and now we can focus on cleaning up things offensively."

Utah was the better team in the first half, registering five shots and limiting DePaul to one attempt. Taylor Slattery, Mikayla Elmer, Janie Kearl and Baylee Nielsen all had tries at goal but Katie Rogers was the only Utah player to put her shot on frame.

In the second stanza, Utah continued to look the aggressor. Paola van der Veen and Max Flom each had a pair of shots, one apiece on goal, while Elmer also tested the DePaul goalkeeper. Luke was finally called into action when she denied Jessica Weaver in the 72nd minute.

In the first overtime, Utah had the best chance during the waning seconds as Nielsen shot a low effort that Alejandria Godinez was able to smother.

Utah had another good opportunity to break the deadlock in the second overtime as freshman Eden Jacobsen narrowly went over the bar. Natalie Vukic also went high in the 108th minute with an attempt on goal.

At the other end, Luke preserved the tie with an outstanding leaping save on Abby Reed in the 105th minute.

"The back four, and that includes Janie and Nykell, did a fantastic job all weekend," Manning added. "Katie Rogers, i think, played every minute this weekend. Mikayla Elmer did a nice job today and Natalie had a nice weekend as well."

Utah is unbeaten in five contests against teams from the Big East in program history with four wins and one draw after this successful weekend.

The Utes have their home opener on Friday against Houston at 4:30 p.m.