OREM, Utah – Utah Valley University suffered its first loss on the season, dropping a 1-0 contest to Mercer University in the final game of the Holiday Inn Express Invitational on Sunday at Clyde Field.
A second-half header from Jourdan Gooden in the 76th minute served as the game's only goal. It also marked the first time the Wolverines (5-1-0) have trailed this season.
"Credit to Mercer. They came out with a lot of energy. We knew that was going to happen and knew we'd have to match that," UVU head coach
Greg Maas said. "Ultimately we had too many giveaways, too many uncharacteristic turnovers, and we looked tired and sluggish."
On the game-winning goal, Carson Brooks lobbed a cross to the far post, allowing Gooden to get his head on it for the Bears (3-3-0).
Statistically, the game was even with Mercer finishing with 13 shots to Utah Valley's 11 while both teams were on frame four times. The Wolverines were whistled for 18 fouls -- the Bears were called for 11 – with 10 of UVU's coming in the second half.
"This was a game, from a coaching perspective, that can give you the opportunity to learn from the loss. We can now reflect back on this and learn about our character. Overall we're in a good spot. We'll get back to the training grounds on Tuesday and get ourselves healthy again."
UNLV won the tournament after going 2-0 following a 4-1 win over Bradley on Sunday morning. Mercer finished second at 1-1 winning a tiebreaker over UVU due to its win on Sunday. Bradley was fourth, losing each of its contests by identical 4-1 scores.
Utah Valley hits the road this week, traveling to Spokane, Washington to face Gonzaga on Friday before playing at No. 19 Denver next Sunday, Sept. 20.
All-Tournament TeamDanny Musovski, F, UNLV
Aaron Goo, D, UNLV
Bradley Kamdem, D, UNLV
Irvin Somera, M, UNLV
Jeremy Booth, GK, Mercer
Conner Antley, F, Mercer
Ian Antley, D, Mercer
Austin Buxton, F, Utah Valley
Skyler Milne, M, Utah ValleyRichard Olson, F, Bradley
Jacob Taylor, D, Bradley
