OREM, Utah — Parker Allen picked up five saves and Alejandro Silva netted a spot kick goal to lead the Utah Valley men's soccer team to a 1-1 draw against the California Baptist Lancers on a frigid Thursday night at Clyde Field.
Allen stopped all open-play shots he was faced with, including a pair of saves within the final 10 minutes of play, to give the Wolverines a key point in the race for the WAC Tournament. Luis Mueller scored the lone CBU goal of the night on a PK in the 25th minute.
The Wolverines and Lancers split the possession for the first 25 minutes, but CBU had the more dangerous scoring chances. The Lancers had four clean looks at goal, but couldn't put any on net.
Mueller was able to earn and convert a penalty in the 25th minute when he was tripped up by Kendi Bellini.
Utah Valley nearly answered right back in the 26th minute on a shot by Trevor Walk, but CBU's Nolan Premack was able to tip it over the crossbar. Alex Fritcher and Silva had clean looks at goal in the 39th and 43rd, but their shots were also saved.
A potential equalizer by Floris van Nijnanten was waved off for being offside just moments into the second half. Despite the wind being taken out of their sails momentarily, the Wolverines were able to build the momentum into an equalizer in the 63rd minute.
Omar Yehya broke past his defender into the penalty area, but was chopped down as he dribbled. Silva stepped up and converted the spot kick to bring things level.The Wolverines were able to withstand the Lancer attack for the final 16 minutes of play, as Allen made three saves in the closing moments.
Silva's goal moves him into a tie for the team lead with four goals. The goal gives Silva his 35th career point, moving him into the Top 5 all-time in UVU Men's Soccer history.
The tie sets up what proves to be a dramatic final day of the season around the WAC. Utah Valley currently sits in the sixth and final spot for the WAC Tournament, with a two-point cushion over the seventh place GCU Lopes, who lost on the road at Air Force. A win or a tie gives the Wolverines a spot in the tourney, but a loss would see them eliminated.
Utah Valley will host GCU on Monday for the final game of the regular season. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. MDT, with Senior Day festivities set to take place 20 minutes prior. The match will be streamed live on ESPN+.
