LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Blake Frishknecht scored the game-winner in the 87th minute as Utah Valley University topped Santa Clara, 1-0, on Thursday night at the Johann Memorial Classic at UNLV.
 
Scoreless for over 86 minutes, the Wolverines (3-2-1) got the goal when goalkeeper Joseph Wheelwright lifted a long free kick forward that was headed by Alec Felix to Frishknecht -- a Las Vegas native -- who let the ball lead him into the box and then fired to the far post where it found the side netting for the decisive score.
 
"Santa Clara is a well-coached, organized side, and it took a complete 90 minutes of disciplined focus for us to earn the result," UVU head coach Greg Maas. "For a moment, I thought we were headed to our fourth overtime, but a great ball from Joe, a flick-on by Alec, and a fantastic finish by Blake was the difference. We'll enjoy the result tonight, get healthy, and begin preparations for an exciting match on Sunday against Saint Mary's."
 
In addition to Wheelwright's assist on the goal, the junior came up big to keep the game scoreless just moments earlier. On a Santa Clara free kick in the 85th minute, the ball was deflected high in the air right in front of the goal where Eduardo Perez got his head on it for the Broncos (2-3-1). The oncoming Wheelwright picked up his fifth and final save of the match on Perez' attempt, saving the would-be goal off of his face and deflecting it out of harm's way.
 
The clean sheet for Wheelwright was his first of the season and seventh of his career while he also registered his first career assist. The assist for Felix was his third of the season. 
 
The Wolverines will now take on No. 6 Saint Mary's on Sunday at noon PT/1 p.m. MT. The Gaels defeated host UNLV, 2-0, earlier on Thursday. Saint Mary's has not taken a loss in its last 30 matches, going 25-5-0 in the stretch that dates back to 2017.