UVU attack is too much for CS Fullerton
Brad Curnow | Sports Writer | @jojocornrow
Gabi Campbell | Photo editor | @gabicampbellphotos
OREM, Utah- In front of a homecoming crowd of over 2,500 people, the Utah Valley Wolverines came from behind with two goals in a two minute span to defeat Cal State Fullerton 2-1 on Thursday night at Clyde Field.
The Wolverines played a physical brand of soccer to maintain possession of the ball and win challenges throughout the course of the match. The UVU defense was strong on the ball, preventing Fullerton from getting shots on goal. The Titans did break through, however, in the 30’ with a header that made its way past goalkeeper Collin Partee. The Titans would not find the goal the rest of the way.
It wasn’t until late into the second half that Utah Valley was able to breakthrough and get on the board.
Alex Neff put the Wolverines level with the Titans in the 72’ with a header off a corner kick from Alex Meyer.
The Woverines put constant pressure on the Titans’ goal by taking 21 total shots, including nine on goal. UVU won 11 corners in the match, including one that resulted in Neff’s goal.
“We knew we were due,” said UVU head coach Greg Maas. “That really set the tone for us.”
It only took 76 seconds for the Wolverines to put another ball in the back of the net and take the lead for good.
Karson Payton took a feed from Neff after beating the defense downfield and put one through the goalkeepers legs to make it 2-1.
“Karson is always lurking and hunting around,” said Maas. “He’s a very quick and tenacious player. His finish was just absolute class. A deserved game-winner for the team for the captain.”
The UVU men’s soccer team improved to 7-2-0 with the win and will face the Air Force Academy at Clyde Field on October 2nd at 7 pm MT.
