Tim Castaneda, Sports Writer, @xTIMBOxSLICEx
UVU men’s soccer earned its second win for the program versus Gonzaga by outscoring them 2-0 on homecoming night in front of a record setting crowd to end the team’s current two game losing streak. The crowd attendance of 3,209 is the highest number to ever attend a game at Clyde Field.
The crowd propelled UVU forward Matt Gay to a successful nigh as he penetrated the Gonzaga defense in the second half to score the only two goals of the match. Gay’s first goal came after forward Karson Payton dribbled the ball from the right side and found him on the left side of the box for the assist. His second goal put the record setting crowd into a roar with 16 minutes left to play on a put back attempt after rebounding his own shot attempt in between a crew of Gonzaga defenders.
“We have one of the greatest student sections and greatest fans here and they lifted our team to victory today,” said Gay.
UVU’s strong defensive performance also helped the team earn its first shutout victory of the season. The defense withstood Gonzaga’s offensive pressure all night long who as a team finished the match with a total of 12 shots. UVU keeper Collin Partee made a total of 5 saves on the night to lead his team to its first shutout.
UVU men’s soccer improves to 2-2-0 on the regular season with a home record of 2-0. The team looks to continue its success in front of the home crowd as it faces Denver next Friday September 19 at 7:30 p.m. MT.
