EAST LANSING, Mich.—Despite a late goal from Amber Tripp, the Utah Valley University women's soccer team dropped a 3-1 road decision at Big Ten foe Michigan State in the team's season opener on Thursday evening at DeMartin Stadium.
 
Utah Valley falls to 0-1-0 on the season with the loss. The Wolverines will look to bounce back against Michigan on Sunday in Ann Arbor.
 
"We played very well against a great and challenging opponent in a top level environment," said Utah Valley head coach Chris Lemay. "Michigan State bent but didn't break. We broke down in a couple of instances and that cost us goals. I'm proud of the way we fought and battled. We would have liked a different result but we'll learn from this game and get ready for another Big Ten opponent and get ready for Sunday at Michigan."
 
The two teams played to a scoreless tie through the first half of play. The Wolverines continued to hold MSU scoreless until the 53rd minute when Danielle Stephan found the back of the net to give the Spartans a 1-0 lead. Michigan State scored again in the 65th minute as Gabriala Jodzis scored. Sydney Kloosterman scored MSU's final goal of the game in the 73rd minute to give the team a 3-0 advantage.
 
Amber Tripp denied the Spartans a shutout after firing a shot into the net in the 75th minute to get the Wolverines on the scoreboard. Tripp received the ball from Jocelyn Bybee before shooting the ball past a MSU defender and goalkeeper for the score. Bybee was credited with an assist on the goal.
 
Michigan State just edged the Wolverines in shots, 9-7. The Spartans recorded six shots on goal to UVU's four. Tripp led the Wolverines with three shots, which were all on goal. Sadie Brockbank and Julianna Carter each fired two shots on the night.
 
Allie Jara played all 90 minutes in the box. The senior keeper took on nine shots, including six on goal. She registered three saves on the night.
 
Utah Valley continues play in the Great Lakes State as the team travels to play Michigan on Sunday at noon (MT).