UVU drops Bradley 4-1 in home opener

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Buxton’s two goals lead the way

Brad Curnow | Sports Writer | @jojocornrow

OREM, Utah — The Utah Valley University men’s soccer team dominated Bradley University with a 4-1 win in front of a record home crowd Friday night.

The Wolverine’s notched their first 5-0 start in school history with strong defensive play in a physical match.

“We took a few knocks,” said UVU Head Coach Greg Maas. “It was a very physical game, a mature game.”

Utah Valley stood toe-to-toe with a tough Bradley team and overcame offensive attacks into the box from the Braves in the opening minutes.

The Wolverines were able to take control of play in the closing minutes of the first half as the 0-0 tie was broken with a goal by Austin Buxton inside the seven-minute mark. With 4:03 left in the half, Karson Payton put UVU on the board again with a great finish from the top of the box, assisted by a long header from two-time Western Athletic Conference defensive player of the week Alex Neff.

Buxton’s big night continued after tallying another goal with 26 minutes remaining in the match, taking the Wolverine’s lead to 3-0. Coach Maas said in regards to Buxton’s play tonight, “He was player of the match for this group.”

Bradley tried to fight back as they got on the scoreboard with 23 minutes to play. But Skylar Milne would put the final margin at 4-1 with a header off a free kick by Aaron Meyer inside the 10-minute mark.

The UVU men maintained their spot on top of the WAC standings with their 5-0 record.

“It starts with our defense,” said Buxton about the team’s start. “We’ve had Alex Neff back there who has just really led the charge, and it’s pushed forward through our whole team. Through our midfields, through our forwards.”

The Wolverines will take on the Mercer University Bears on Sunday at 1 p.m. MT at Clyde Field.