The New Jersey Institute of Technology provided the Utah Valley women’s soccer team with exactly what it needed in a home opponent: an easy team.
Of course players and coaches won’t talk about the poor opponent they played but the 5-0 win and NJIT’s 0-13 record says enough.
The Wolverines know the feeling of going through a blow out. In five games this year, Utah Valley lost by four or more goals including a 7-1 loss to South Dakota State the game before.
"It feels good," Utah Valley forward Jenni Clough said. "We have had some tough games, but it’s good to get this win because it’s a conference win and it will help us in the tournament."
The Wolverines dominated in their first home win and it gave Coach Brent Anderson an opportunity to clear his bench and get everyone involved.
NJIT wasn’t expected to be much of a challenge for the Wolverines coming into the game. In two games between the two teams, Utah Valley has outscored NJIT 11-0.
The win helps the Wolverines in the United Soccer conference but was only the team’s third win and first at home this season.
"We played with a lot of determination today, especially Athena in scoring our first goal and setting up the next two," Utah Valley coach Brent Anderson said. "Shantae [Adams] also had a great game, showing determination to get into the box, giving herself scoring opportunities."
Adams netted two goals for Utah Valley. Adrienne Schneider, Taryn Smith and Athena Bradshaw also scored.
Utah Valley 5 Delaware State 1
A day after Utah Valley (4-11-2, 4-1) thumped NJIT, another weak opponent rolled into Orem and the Wolverines set a school record with 49 shots. The Wolverines blasted 47 shots against Delaware State in 2005. Delaware State managed two shots in the game and its goal was an own goal. Schneider scored two goals for Utah Valley and Clough, Lauren Bluth and Sara Walker also scored.
The win secured Utah Valley the No. 2 seed in the United Soccer Conference tournament. The Wolverines play their final regular season match on the road against Eastern Washington before return home to play host for the USC tournament Nov. 8 to Nov. 11.
