Utah Soccer Starts with 2-0 Win at Oral Roberts

Friday, August 22

Tulsa, Okla.

7:00 PM

University of Utah

1-0-0

Oral Roberts

0-1-0

Utah

Oral Roberts

Utah Soccer Starts with 2-0 Win at Oral Roberts

8/22/2014 12:00 AM | Soccer

Box Score

Aug. 22, 2014

Final Stats

TULSA, Okla. - Goals from Katie Rigby and Katie Taylor secured a win for Utah soccer in its opener this evening at Oral Roberts, 2-0.

It marked the second-straight season that the Utes opened their slate with a victory, doing it against a team that won a school-record 15 contests last season.

"We played very well except the last 10 minutes of each half," head coach Rich Manning said. "The things we've worked with in possession seemed to be working for us this evening."

"Keeping a shutout and getting a win on the road is really an exciting way to start the season," defender Megan Trabert said. "We just tried to win the ball back quickly and stay connected in the back. I think the communication between Nykell and I helped make that adjustment work."

"Scoring so early really helped with my confidence and i knew the team was going to score at least one more goal," Rigby stated. "Coming off the injury was difficult last season because I just wanted to get comfortable dribbling and getting forward. This year i definitely want to try and score more goals."

Rigby, a member of the Pac-12 all-freshman team last year, opened the scoring after collecting a loose ball in front of goal. It was the second goal of her career as the midfielder scored the game-winner against Oregon in 2013. Ashton Hall served in the initial cross that was poked by Taylor to Ribgy at the far post

Taylor, who earned an assist on the first goal, scored the 11th goal of her career in the second half. She received a pass back off her initial corner entry to Mikayla Elmer. The senior's cross went untouched into the Eagle net during the 62nd minute, doubling the Ute lead. Taylor midfielder led the team in goals and points a season ago.

Utah dominated play and racked up 23 shots, six on goal. Baylee Nielsen led the way with seven tries while Rigby, Kaycee Buckley, Avery Jenkins, Audrey Gibb and Mariah Elmer each had multiple efforts.

Lindsey Luke made two saves to notch the 14th shutout of her career. The junior goalkeeper set the Utah single-season mark last year with nine blankings.

"Megan and Nykell were really solid in the middle of our defense," Manning added. "Katie scored that important first goal and Baylee had a bunch of opportunities. She was just very unlucky, especially hitting the post."

The Utes also held a 4-1 advantage on corner-kicks.

Utah is back in action on Sunday at Oklahoma. Kick-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT