LSU Tigers Soccer Falls to Utah Valley in 3-2 Thriller
The LSU Tigers soccer team suffered a narrow defeat against the Utah Valley Wolverines, losing 3-2 on September 7, 2023, at UCCU Stadium in Orem, Utah. This match marked the Tigers’ third loss of the season, bringing their record to 4-3-0, while Utah Valley improved to 2-2-1.
The match began with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. For the first 30 minutes, neither side was able to convert their chances into goals. LSU forward Ava Galligan made an early attempt to break the deadlock, but the Tigers seemed sluggish in their offensive efforts. LSU goalkeeper Sophine Kevorkian demonstrated her skills with two crucial saves, including a one-on-one stop against a charging Wolverine attacker.
In the 31st minute, Utah Valley struck first. Defender Mia Owens played a pivotal role, delivering a pass to forward Faith Webber, who took advantage of the opportunity with a precise left-footed shot from just outside the box, beating Kevorkian. The Tigers quickly responded, however, equalizing in the 35th minute. Galligan, showcasing her speed and skill, maneuvered past the Utah Valley defense and unleashed a shot that hit the crossbar. The ball ricocheted off a Wolverine defender and landed in the net, resulting in an own goal that brought the score to 1-1.
As the second half began, LSU needed to intensify their play, especially after Utah Valley had controlled possession towards the end of the first half. The home team regained the lead in the 58th minute when defender Greta Davis delivered a well-placed cross to the center of the box. The ball deflected off a Tiger defender and found its way into the bottom left corner, putting the Wolverines ahead 2-1.
Utah Valley extended their advantage further in the 65th minute. Webber showcased her prowess again, finding space deep within LSU territory and firing a shot from 15 yards out into the bottom left corner, marking her second goal of the match and making the score 3-1.
LSU fought back and managed to narrow the deficit in the 80th minute. Junior midfielder Gabbi Ceballos scored her first goal of the season after receiving a precise pass from forward Ryann Denecour in the center of the box. Ceballos skillfully placed the ball through the legs of the approaching Wolverine goalkeeper, reducing the score to 3-2.
The Tigers had a chance to equalize in the closing moments of the match. In the 87th minute, Ceballos was awarded a free kick just outside the box. LSU’s Makenna Dominguez took the shot, but it narrowly missed the target, going just over the top of the goal.
Despite outshooting Utah Valley in the second half 10 to 6, LSU was unable to find the equalizing goal, resulting in their defeat. The Tigers will seek redemption as they prepare for their next matchup against the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on September 10, 2023, at 14:00 CT, a game that will be broadcast on ESPN+.
