GREENSBORO, N.C. – The UNC Greensboro women's soccer team out-shot Utah 15-13 on the afternoon but it wasn't enough as Utah was able to find the back of the net in the second overtime to hand the Spartans a 2-1 loss, Sunday afternoon at the UNCG Soccer Stadium.
The loss drops the Spartans to 1-1-0 on the young season while Utah improves to 1-1-0 after losing to Wake Forest in overtime on Friday evening by a 2-1 score. Mary Kate Towne led all players with six shots, including three on goal while Katy Reineke took five attempts on net with just one coming on goal. The Spartans also held the advantage on corner kicks with six to just four for Utah.
"I thought we played well," said UNCG head coach Eddie Radwanski. "I can't be disappointed in our performance; we just got caught on a counter that didn't go our way in the end."
Utah took an early lead as Katie Martinez connected on a rebound in front of the goal to send the ball past UNCG goal keeper Barrie Vogel. The Spartans had an opportunity to net the equalizer when Towne ripped two straight shots but came up empty as the first was blocked by a Utah defender and the second saved by Ute's keeper Emalee Rogers.
UNCG had limited opportunities until the 42nd minute of the half when a streaking Jen Bronson slotted the ball through to the top of the box where it found the feet of Kristin Player. Player turned, taking three touches on the ball before sending her shot into the lower left corner past a diving Rogers to pull the Spartans even, 1-1.
Towne and Player gave UNCG their best opportunity of the second half to seal the win but both came up short. Towne turned and ripped a shot from the top of the penalty box only to have it deflected off the goal line to Player who then had her attempt blocked by a Utah defender. Utah's last attempt of the second half came up empty as well, sailing just wide of the post.
It looked as if the Spartans would end the game in the first overtime when Player sent a beautiful corner kick into the box that found the head of senior Jamie Corti. Corti headed the ball home but the goal was called off because of a foul. With much of momentum going the Spartans' way in overtime, Utah was able to find the back of the net on a counter attack that gave them the game winner. Kelly Isleib turned and took a shot from the top of the box that was able to find its way past a diving Vogel to give the Utes the game-winner and first victory of the 2008 season.
"It was full steam ahead for us in the second half and overtime," Radwanski said. "Unfortunately for us, they got the one shot they were looking for."
The Spartans will be in action again Friday, Aug. 29, when they welcome George Mason to the UNCG Soccer Stadium. Game time is set for 7 pm and, as always, live stats can be found at UNCGSpartans.com.
AGATE
Goals by period 1 2 OT 2OT
Utah 1 0 0 1
UNCG 1 0 0 0
Shots by period 1 2 OT 2OT
Utah 9 3 0 1
UNCG 6 7 2 0
Corner Kicks 1 2 OT 2OT
Utah 4 0 0 0
UNCG 2 3 1 0
Scoring Summary: Utah – Katie Martinez (rebound) 16:50, UNCG – Kristin Player (Jen Bronson) 41:23, Utah – Kelly Isleib (unassisted) 101:35
- UNCG -
