Utes Shock No. 4 Ranked Portland

Sunday, September 1

Salt Lake City

1:00 PM

University of Utah

Portland

9/1/2002 12:00 AM | Soccer

Sept. 1, 2002

Box Score

SALT LAKE CITY - The University of Utah women's soccer team stunned Portland, ranked No.4 in the NSCAA/Adidas preseason poll, 2-0 on Sunday at Ute Field. The game marked Head Coach Rich Manning's first game at Utah.

The Utes rolled to victory after scores by sophomore Julie Herdic and senior forward Shauna Gurr-Bingham early in the second half. Herdic's goal came on an assist from Esther Imotan at the 58:52 mark. Gurr-Bingham's goal was unassisted 62:49 in. She converted one of four shot-on-goal attempts.

"It feels awesome," says Gurr-Bingham. "We have been working really hard all spring. I think we have great confidence and enthusiasm."

Utah's defense also gave a superb effort, shutting-down Portland's offensive attack. Senior goalkeeper Courtney Hills-McBeth did an excellent job in the first half as she was challenged many times by Portland's forwards. Hills-McBeth made five saves, with most of the action taking place on the Utes' side of the field in the first 45 minutes. The Pilots outshot the Utes 6-3 in the first half.

Junior goalkeeper Lynnsey Asay-Kimball cleaned up the second half with one save. Conversely, Utah pressured Portland goalkeeper Lauren Arase, outshooting Portland 10-2 in the last 45 minutes. The aggressive play of Utah disrupted Portland's scheme and allowed the Utes to take control of the game. Utah ended up outshooting the Pilots 13-8. Both teams had four corner kicks in the game.

"This is a great result," says coach Manning. "We played well for our first game. We looked confident and we did the things we have been doing in practice. We got in good positions on defense and we organized well."