OREM, Utah — Utah Valley and the Mercer Bears played to a scoreless draw Saturday night at Clyde Field, as both sides battled to a defensive stalemate.
The Wolverines out-shot the Bears 11-3 on the night, with both sides picking up a pair of shots on goal. Landon Carter stopped both shots he faced to pick up his second shutout of the season.
Utah Valley picked up its third-consecutive draw in its final non-conference game of the regular season. This is the first time in program history that the Wolverines have drawn three-straight games, and it is the first scoreless draw since Utah Valley went the distance with Northwestern in 2021.
The Wolverines had the first shot in the eighth minute when Jack Borden's effort was blocked in the penalty area. Utah Valley would only manage two more off-target shots the remainder of the first half, but held Mercer without a single shot in the first 45.
Floris van Nijnanten put the first shot on frame in the 48th minute off of a free kick near the corner flag, but his flick was dealt with easily by the Bears' keeper. Michele Signorelli had a good look at goal in the 56th minute, but his volley went wide left by a few feet.
Alejandro Silva nearly outdid himself with a long free kick from about 40 yards out. Silva aimed for the same top-right corner that earned him last week's WAC Top Play, but his shot was just wide.
Mercer had a pair of dangerous chances in short succession in the 70th and 73rd minutes. Carlos Santamaria went for goal on a set piece from about 30 yards out, but Carter was able to handle the shot with ease. The next effort from Santamaria caused Carter much more trouble as the ball caromed off the crossbar, then off Carter's back, then off the left post before Carter was able to corral the ball.
Utah Valley managed four shots the remainder of the way, but none made their way on frame. Ethan Kovach made a run off the right flank in the 82nd minute, but his shot went wide right.
The Wolverines will open WAC play this week with a tough test on the road. Utah Valley will head to Washington to face the Seattle U Redhawks on Thursday afternoon. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. MDT, and the game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
