SPOKANE, Wash. – Diego Serna scored his first career goal for Utah Valley University, but a 71st-minute header by Sam Olson served as the game-winner in a 2-1 victory in favor of Gonzaga on Sunday afternoon in Spokane.
 
The Wolverines finish their non-conference schedule at 3-5-0 overall and open Western Athletic Conference play on Friday at home against San José State at 7 p.m. UVU has lost four straight, marking the longest skid in the program's four-year history. The four opponents, each of whom are, or have been ranked at one point this season, have a combined 22-9-2 record. The overall record of UVU's eight non-conference foes is 38-21-4 as of Sunday afternoon.
 
"A tough non-conference schedule is an understatement, and it has certainly prepared and challenged us as we enter WAC play next week at home," UVU head coach Greg Maas said. "All good teams go through rough patches, but this is a great team, and we'll respond with a serious purpose as we look to defend our title as WAC regular season champions."
 
The Bulldogs (5-3-1) took a 1-0 lead in the 24^th minute on a header by Christo Michaelson on a cross from Joe Corner. Michaelson narrowly beat UVU goalkeeper Elliott Rubio to the ball, scoring to the far post for his third goal of the season.
 
Later in the first half, Rubio made a diving save on a header that seemed destined for a 2-0 Gonzaga lead. Rubio then delivered the ensuing goal kick all the way to the opposite 18, where it bounced once before Serna floated it over Ben Willis' head for the equalizer.
 
In the waning minutes of the first half, Rubio was tested two more times, passing both with saves to preserve the tie after 45 minutes.
 
Olson's goal came on header on a free kick from Michaelson with just under 20 minutes remaining on the clock, giving Gonzaga its first win over Utah Valley in four tries.
 
Blake Frischknecht nearly tied the game with three minutes left, when his attempt beat the keeper but was saved just inches from crossing the line by a Bulldog defender for a team save. It was the last real chance the Wolverines would get.
 
Following Friday's match against SJSU, the Wolverines will travel to CSU Bakersfield for a Sunday matchup against the Roadrunners in WAC play.