Box Score OREM, Utah — UT Rio Grande Valley scored three first-half goals to spoil Utah Valley University's home opener, 3-1, on Friday afternoon on Clyde Field. The loss marks just the first time the Wolverines have lost a home opener, now in their seventh season sponsoring men's soccer.
 
UVU got a goal in the 85th minute on Caleb Wight's header off of a James Peña corner kick, with Wight sneaking the ball into the side netting at the far post. However, the goal was too late and the hole too big for the Wolverines (1-1-0) to climb out of.
 
"The start to today's match was very good. Unfortunately, we weren't able to take advantage of the opportunities we created for ourselves, and an uncharacteristic 10 minutes put us in a difficult position," UVU head coach Greg Maas said. "Our second half showed this team's character, perseverance, and commitment to one another. We'll learn from today, get healthy, and be ready for next week's match against Dixie State."

The Vaqueros (2-0-1) got two goals from William Akio, including on a penalty kick in the 35th minute that gave UTRGV the commanding 3-0 lead. Reshaun Walkes scored the first goal of the contest on a give-and-go with Moiad Ankir in the 26th minute. Akio's first goal came in the 33rd minute on assists from Moiad and Jan Engels.
 
UVU got off 14 shots, five that were on goal, while UTRGV had seven shots with six of those on frame.
 
The Wolverines are set to host in-state foe and Division I newcomers Dixie State next Saturday at 4 p.m. at Clyde Field in the first men's soccer match of the Old Hammer Cup, the newly-named rivalry between the former junior college rivals. Former Maas assistant, Jonny Broadhead, is the head coach of the Trailblazers.