Utah Valley University’s women’s soccer team (1-0-0, 0-0-0) visited the University of Michigan (0-0-1, 0-0-0) on Thursday night in a thrilling match that ended 2-1 in favor of Utah Valley.
Looking to start their four-game road trip on a positive note, head coach Chris Lemay and his UVU Wolverines defeated the Maize and Blue.
Utah Valley came into Ann Arbor unfazed by the intimidating away atmosphere, showing they are hungry for more success this season. Utah Valley showcased an outstanding attacking display, with Faith Webber, Ruby Hladlek, and Nixan Jackson leading the way.
Utah Valley came out firing in the first half, tormenting Michigan goalkeeper Stephanie Sparkowski with 11 shots. Of the four on target, Sparkowski saved them all, keeping the game level at 0-0.
Utah Valley came inches away from an early lead when Webber received the ball. Looking confident in the 14th minute, Webber found herself one-on-one with Sparkowski. She unleashed an impressive shot, but Sparkowski managed to tip it over the crossbar for a Utah Valley corner.
As the first-half whistle blew, both Wolverines sides found themselves deadlocked at 0-0.
With the score tied at 0-0 in the second half, Lemay’s side came out attacking aggressively, aiming to bury Michigan early.
The Michigan native Webber did just that in the 64th minute. Attacking midfielder Jackson found herself open in the 18-yard box and laid off a pass to a wide-open Webber, who slotted the ball past Sparkowski.
The Utah Valley Wolverines took the lead, 1-0.
In the 88th minute, Michigan midfielder Avery Kalitta found teammate Jenna Lang unmarked. Lang easily tapped the floating ball out of the air with her head, leveling the score at 1-1 for the Michigan Wolverines.
Hopes that Utah Valley would leave Ann Arbor with a win seemed to be fading until Webber took matters into her own hands.
Just moments after Michigan’s goal, Webber found herself in a two-on-one situation with a defender and, once again, Sparkowski. Calmly beating both, Webber tapped in the last-second game-winner, securing the victory for Utah Valley University.
UVU will be in action this Saturday, Aug. 18, as they take on Detroit Mercy.
