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The Utes have only allowed four goals this season.
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Sept. 29, 2002
SALT LAKE CITY - The University of Utah women's soccer team loss their first game of the season in a double-overtime thriller to Saint Mary's, 2-1, Sunday on Ute Field. This defeat puts the Utes' overall season record at 5-1-2.
Utah struck first at the 41:09 mark when junior Missy Dennis scored off an assist from Bobbie Benegas to put the Utes up 1-0 early in the first half. The Utes controlled possession throughout the game, but the Gaels would not let up as they countered with a late second half goal from Sara Takekawa to tie the game at 1-1. Takekawa was able to brake away from the Utes' defense and chip the tying goal pass goalkeeper Lynnsey Asay-Kimball at the 70:18 mark.
The game winning goal came from SMC's Shauna Rech with 36 seconds remaining in the second overtime. Rech's amazing 20-yard blast struck off the top of the goal post and then bounced off keeper Asay-Kimball's shoulder to end the game at 2-1 and improve the Gaels' record to 4-5-1. Utah has only given up four goals this season.
"It was a nice shot," remarked Asay-Kimball. "We focus a lot on our defense, but this shot just took an unlucky bounce.
In the first overtime, senior forward Shauna Gurr-Bingham was unsuccessful in a 15-yard attempt that was just shy of the goal. The Utes outshot the Gaels 17-3 going into the second overtime. In the second overtime, senior Katie Tate was inches away from the goal in a header attempt off a pass from Gurr-Bingham. Utah had many chances to close this game early, but were unable to connect. The Utes shotout the Gaels 18-4 in the game.
"Saint Mary's never gives up and they showed that today," said coach Rich Manning. "I credit their character, they deal well with adversity. We have eked out a few close games in the past, but I think we are striving to improve. We have some great athletes on this team and that allows us to avoid problems.
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Next up, the Utes will battle two tough upcoming bouts with instate rivals Utah State and Weber State. The Utah State match will be held on Oct. 2 at 4:00 p.m. on Ute Field and the game will the Wildcats will be played on Oct. 5 at 1:00 p.m. in Ogden, Utah.
