HOUSTON — Utah Valley University scored two second-half goals less than three minutes apart and hung on to defeat Houston Baptist University, 2-1, on Monday night at Sorrels Field.
 
Aaron Nixon and Carter Johnson scored the goals for the Wolverines (3-3-0, 2-3-0), both on passes from Alejandro Silva. The Huskies (0-8-2, 0-8-1) scored on a penalty kick by Bryant Farkarlun and nearly got the equalizer in the final minute of play but the Wolverine defense held.
 
"I am so happy for the team tonight. You could tell they played for each other" said Interim Head Coach Michael Chesler, who notched his first career win as a head coach. "Winning on the road is never easy and I thought we played some really good stretches of soccer. I am pleased with the overall performance and also excited for Aaron and Carter for getting their first collegiate goals."
 
The game was scoreless for over 71 minutes until Nixon got UVU on the board. Zahir Vazquez led a pass forward to Silva, who took it into the box and slipped it in front of the goal mouth where Nixon poked it in.
 
Just two minutes later — in the 74th minute — James Dunning dropped a pass off to Silva, who crossed it into the box where a streaking Johnson put it away and gave the Wolverines a 2-0 lead.
 
The HBU penalty kick came in the game's 80th minute of play after a foul was whistled on the Wolverines. The Huskies had a shot blocked wide of the goal in the final minute and had a corner kick for a last-chance opportunity, but Joseph Wheelwright pounced on the ball to preserve the win. Utah Valley finished with 16 shots, six on goal, while HBU had 11 shots, four on frame.
 
The Wolverines will host California Baptist on Friday in the regular season finale at 7 p.m. MT on Clyde Field.