OREM—No. 18 Alabama scored three first-half goals and despite a strong second half for Utah Valley, the Wolverines could not recover in a 4-1 loss to the Crimson Tide on Tuesday at Clyde Field.
The setback snaps UVU's 11-match unbeaten streak. It marks the first loss at home for the Wolverines since dropped a 4-2 decision to No. 25 USC on Aug. 28, 2021. The game marks UVU's first loss of the season as the Wolverines fall to 3-1-2. Alabama improves to 5-1-1 on the season. Alabama is the second nationally ranked team that Utah Valley has played this season. UVU tied No. 23 UCF on Aug. 25.
"Alabama is a really good team and against any good team you can't afford to play one half of soccer," said Utah Valley head coach
Chris Lemay. "I was really proud of the way we played in the second half but to give them a three goal lead and then try to figure out playing at our ability is never going to work at this level. I'm happy with the second half but didn't come out of the gates playing at the speed this game requires."
Alabama got on the scoreboard early after Ashlynn Serepca got the ball across the line to put the Crimson Tide up 1-0 in the seventh minute. Alabama's Reyna Reyes then scored just three minutes later in the 10th minute to put the Tide up 2-0.
Serepca sent ball down the middle of the box to Riley Parker Mattingly who then punched it into the back of the net to give Alabama a 3-0 advantage in the 23rd minute.
Utah Valley's
Megan Sullivan sent a long ball from 45 yards out into the box where it deflected off the outstretched hand of the Alabama keeper.
Sydney Bushman then kicked it into the back of the net in the 47th minute to cut into the Alabama lead 3-1.
Alabama's Sydney Vincens picked up a UVU miss hit inside the box and one-touched it to Kate Henderson who then ball into an empty net to help Alabama extend its lead to a 4-1 advantage in the 72nd minute.
Alabama outshot Utah Valley 20-14, including a 15-6 advantage on frame. UVU did outshoot Alabama 10-8 in the second half as the Wolverines had numerous opportunities that came up just short.
Heather Stainbrook led the Wolverines with four shots, including one on goal. Bushman and
Faith Webber each had three shots with two on goal. Alabama recorded five corner kicks to UVU's three.
Utah Valley now heads out on the road for four straight matches beginning with BYU on Saturday in Provo. Kick off at BYU is set for 6 p.m. The game will be streamed live on BYUtv. UVU's next home game will be on Sept. 30 against California Baptist.
