Utah Soccer Sees Season End in NCAA Tournament

Friday, November 15

Durham, N.C.

4:00 PM

University of Utah

8-9-4, 3-5-3

Duke

9-3-7, 3-1-6

Utah

Duke

Photo by: Steve C. Wilson

11/15/2019 7:25 PM | Soccer

Box Score Duke 4 Utah 0

Utes fall 4-0 at No. 12 Duke

DURHAM, N.C. – Utah Soccer lost at No. 12 Duke in a NCAA Tournament First Round match on Friday night

"We fought hard this whole season," senior Aleea Gwerder said. "We kept our heads up and stayed together until the end."

"Tonight our season came to an end," head coach RIch Manning said. "We are disappointed not to advance but I am proud of the team's effort. We had a hard time keeping the ball in the first half and had to defend quite a bit. Duke did a great job of putting pressure on us with their possession."

Duke took the lead just after the half-hour mark through Emmy Duerr. Mackenzie Pluck picked the freshman out and she scored her first goal as a Blue Devil.

The Utes switched to a more aggressive formation in the second half that resulted in more chances but left them vulnerable at the back.

"We felt like we had to open up a bit in the second half," Manning added. "We created a couple of good looks but could not get one to go in."

In the opening seconds of the stanza, Courtney Talbot had a try saved by the Duke goalkeeper. Five minutes later, Duerr doubled Dukes' lead.

Utah had a chance to cut into the margin with a free kick opportunity in the 54^th minute. Holly Daugirda was able to get on to the long ball and saw her attempt held by Brooke Heinsohn. Kylee Geis, Talbot and Gwerder had chances later in the half but none were able to convert their opportunities.

Tess Boade, who assisted on Duke's second goal, scored one of her own in the 65^th minute off an assist from Karlie Paschall. Pluck closed the scoring, converting a carom off the crossbar in the 8^7thminute.

Carly Nelson made four saves and finished with 105 for the season. Tavia Leachman, Haylee Cacciacarne and Gwerder anchored a defense that notched 10 shutouts, Daugirda started every game in the midfield and Ireland Dunn led the team in goals and points to cap their respective careers.

"I think the words that sum us up the best are sisterhood, confident and resilient," Gwerder added. "I hope people saw us a team this year that worked hard and put our all into every single practice and game."

"The team worked so hard all season to be in a position to get back into the NCAA Tournament and played some good soccer along the way," Manning said. "We played an extremely tough schedule and had some success.

We showed teamwork and competitive spirit along the way. Our eight seniors leave with a pair of NCAA Tournament trips and top-four finishes in the Pac-12. Most importantly, they were great ambassadors for the University of Utah on and off the field. We will always be proud of them."