CEDAR CITY, Utah – Utah Valley University women's soccer couldn't overcome a two-goal deficit on Sunday afternoon as it fell to Southern Utah University by a score of 2-1 in Cedar City.
 
"We lacked maturity and focus today," head coach Brent Anderson said. "We knew that SUU would be highly motivated and we simply didn't match their intensity until it was too late. We have a short turn around for our next match so we will get back to work and be ready for Idaho State."
 
SUU (3-3-0) wasted no time getting on the board in its 2015 home opener as Haley Adams punched home the first goal in the sixth minute off of a deflected cross. The Thunderbirds then extended their advantage to 2-0 later in the opening half when Shelby Green headed in what proved to be the game-winner in the 30th minute. Devri Hartle and Emilee Bohls were both credited with assists on the 30th-minute goal as they played the ball from the far right corner to the middle of the field where Green was able to finish off the play with the goal.
 
With SUU still holding to a 2-0 lead, Utah Valley (3-3-0) senior Kasandra Anderson managed to find the back of the net in the 55th minute to make it a 2-1 contest. Junior Taylor Kirk was credited with an assist on the play as she connected with Anderson on a cross and Anderson drilled the ball into the far left corner of the net for the score.
 
Still trailing by a goal, the Wolverines managed to fire off four more shots down the stretch but couldn't find the equalizer as SUU held on for the victory.
 
Both teams recorded 12 shots apiece in the match but the Thunderbirds managed to hold a 9-5 advantage on shots on goal.
 
Despite being saddled with the loss, senior goalkeeper Jessica Duffin recorded seven saves on Sunday for the Wolverines. 
 
The loss was the second of the weekend for UVU, as it previously found itself on the wrong end of a 4-3 overtime contest at UNLV on Friday.
 
The Wolverines, who went a perfect 3-0 during their last homestand, will now return home to welcome Idaho State to Clyde Field on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Following Thursday's non-conference home contest against ISU, UVU will head to El Paso, Texas to face UTEP on Sept. 18.