OGDEN, Utah – Two first half goals were all the offense the Utah Valley University women's soccer team would need in its 2015 exhibition opener against in-state foe Weber State on Friday afternoon at the Wildcat Soccer Field as it held on to defeat the Wildcats by a score of 2-1.
 
"The team started the match well, as they moved the ball around and played very positive soccer," said 10th-year head coach Brent Anderson. "I was impressed with their shape and organization."
 
UVU wasted no time getting on the board in the contest as junior Taylor Kirk fired a rebounded shot into an empty net in the seventh minute to give the Wolverines a 1-0 advantage.
 
With the Wolverines still holding to their 1-0 lead towards the end of the first half, redshirt freshman Breanna McCarter drilled home a shot from distance to extend Utah Valley's advantage to 2-0 in the 44th minute.
 
In the second half, the Wolverine defense would surrender a late goal to WSU's Stacy Blair (81st minute), but that's all the offense the Wildcats would manage to punch home as a trio of UVU goalies combined to save eight of the nine Wildcat shots on goal in the match.
 
"Weber State is a good team and they really stepped up the pressure in the second half," added Anderson. "It was good to see our girls handle the pressure and come away with the win and a solid performance."
 
Plenty of Wolverines saw time on Friday, as a total of 27 took the field in the exhibition contest.  
 
The Wolverines will now return to Orem for their final exhibition tune-up on Saturday at 7 p.m. with the annual Green & White Scrimmage. Admission is free and open to the public and the Alumni Game will immediately follow the contest at 8 p.m.
 
Following Saturday's exhibition finale, UVU will prepare for its season opener on Friday, Aug. 21 at San Diego State. The Wolverines will then return to Clyde Field two days later to welcome Central Arkansas for their home opener on Sunday, Aug. 23.