thirdLAS VEGAS, Nev. – A late attempt to equalize No. 6 Saint Mary's came up short for Utah Valley University in a 2-1 loss on Sunday at the Johann Memorial Classic at UNLV. The match was the final non-conference contest of the season for the Wolverines (3-3-1), who will open WAC play on Saturday. 

"Today was a fantastic match between two very good teams. The margins were thin, I thought we deserved a bit better, but I couldn't be more proud of the quality and commitment we exhibited throughout," UVU head coach Greg Maas said. "Our non-conference schedule featured four teams that were in the Top 25 at one point or another, and we were up to the task. Now we take that experience and get ready for our WAC opener this coming Saturday against HBU on Homecoming."

Blake Frischknecht scored his third goal in as many games to trim a 2-0 deficit in half in the 84th minute with James Peña picking up the assist. Frischknecth, Jaiden Waggoner and Alec Felix were named to the All-Tournament Team for UVU.
 
A penalty kick was awarded to Saint Mary's (7-0-0) in the 13th minute of the match after a hand ball was called on UVU in the box. Anders Engebretsen converted for the Gaels, who won their seventh straight match to start the season and extended their unbeaten streak to 31 games. Engebretsen assisted on what turned out to be the game-winner, in the 83rd minute, on a Jake Rudel goal that gave Saint Mary's the two-nil advantage.

Five of Utah Valley's 10 shots in the match were on frame while the Gaels finished with 16 shots, three on goal.

In addition to the No. 6 ranking in the United Soccer Coaches poll, the Gaels are also ranked second in the country by Soccer America, third by College Soccer News and seventh by TopDrawerSoccer.com.

Saturday's WAC opener against Houston Baptist is slated for a 7:30 p.m. start at Clyde Field and will follow the Wolverine women against North Dakota State, which kicks off at 5 p.m. MT. 

Johann Memorial Classic All-Tournament Team
Remi Prieur, Saint Mary's
Anders Engebretsen, Saint Mary's
Jakub Svehlik​​​​​​​, Saint Mary's
Valentin Kurz, Saint Mary's
Blake Frischknecht​​​​​​​, Utah Valley
Alec Felix, Utah Valley
Jaiden Waggoner, Utah Valley
Emil Christensen, Santa Clara
Alejandro Perez, Santa Clara
Dylan Carruba, Santa Clara
John Lynam, UNLV