NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — Utah Valley University men's soccer notched the first win of new head coach
Kyle Beckerman's career with a 2-1 result at Niagara University on Sunday afternoon.
Evans Armah and
Zahir Vazquez — who had the game-winner — scored for the Wolverines (1-0-1). The game was delayed due to rain and lightning, which also forced a suspension of the Niagara women's team's earlier contest.
"I'm just so happy for the boys. They put in a lot of work and stayed mentally tough, especially with the weather delay," Beckerman said. "Everybody contributed and it was a really solid outing for us. This was a team that showed us a different look and we responded. Now we get back to work for the next one and see if we can improve."
Armah's goal broke a scoreless tie and came in the waning seconds of the half.
Diego Castillo, who scored his first career goal in Thursday's draw, found
Jojea Kwizera, who slipped the ball to Armah near the top of the box. Armah flicked it over the charging keeper and found himself free right in front of the goal mouth for the 1-0 lead with just three seconds remaining in the half.
The Purple Eagles (0-2-0) got the equalizer in the 60th minute of on a goal by Nuukele Gboe, who scored with his left foot right at the top of the 18.
Vazquez' game-winner came less than 10 minutes later, in the 68th minute, when he put back his own initial attempt.
Aidan Dayton and
Min Kang combined to find Vazquez right in front of the goal with the keeper and one defender to beat. After his first touch was deflected, Vazquez found his footing and the ball, and the back of the net.
Niagara had one last attempt at an equalizer with just over two minutes left when Rodrigo Almeida got free for a good look with just keeper
Joseph Wheelwright to beat, but Wheelwright sent the attempt back with his foot to preserve the win.
The Wolverines finished 13 shots, eight on goal, while the Purple Eagles had eight shots, four on frame. Wheelwright was credited for three saves for Utah Valley.
UVU is now set to open its home schedule in front of the 12th Wolverines on Thursday, Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m. against CSUN.
