The Utes Top Air Force, 3-1

Saturday, October 12

USAFA, Colo.

10:00 AM

University of Utah

Air Force

10/12/2002 12:00 AM | Soccer

Oct. 12, 2002

Box Score

U.S.A.F.A., Colo. - The No. 25 ranked Utes (9-1-2, 2-0 MWC) came alive in the second half to defeat Air Force 3-1 in a conference match Saturday morning at the Cadet Soccer Stadium.

Utah's first goal came from junior Bobbie Benegas off a penalty kick at the 56th minute to take the lead after a scoreless first half. Shauna Gurr-Bingham was able to connect off an assist from Missy Dennis to put the Utes up 2-0. Later in the second half, senior Katie Tate clinched the game at the 89th mark as she dowsed her unassisted goal past keeper J.J Wolf. The Falcon's only goal came from Jennifer Rowland with four-seconds remaining in the game to end the match at 3-1.

"The game was very hard fought and evenly played," said Head Coach Rich Manning. "Air Force is very hard-working and they defend very well.

The Utes outshot the Falcons 15-4 during the first half and 16-5 in the second. Senior goalkeeper Courtney Hills-McBeth had four saves and Wolf came away with 11 saves.

"It is very nice to see our forwards getting three goals in the second-half," said Manning. "Our forwards did an excellent job creating chances for themselves and the rest on the team. It is always good to start off the season with two road victories in the Mountain West Conference. This says a lot about the teams character and we hope to build off this moving into the game with New Mexico."

Utah will not play at home again until Thursday, Oct. 24, when they face San Diego State. Until then, the Utes will remain on the road as they go up against New Mexico (8-5-0, 1-0 MWC). The match with the Lobos will be played, Oct. 20 at 12:00 p.m. on the UNM Soccer Complex.