FORT MYERS, Fla. — Omar Yehya scored twice and Ben Williams recorded his second-straight clean sheet with three saves to lead Utah Valley (4-0-1) to a 2-0 win on the road against the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles (0-4-1) on Sunday night in Fort Myers.
For the second consecutive game, the Wolverines were heavily out-shot — 13-4 overall and 4-2 on goal — but were able to secure the win in hostile territory. The win means Utah Valley is unbeaten through five games for the first time since 2021, and have the second-best win percentage through five since 2015, when the team started 5-0.
The shutout builds upon an impressive defensive stretch for the Wolverines, who have not allowed an open-play goal — a goal not scored via a set piece or PK — in almost four games. The last goal Utah Valley conceded in open play was in the second minute at UC Davis.
Yehya's brace was the first of his collegiate career and his first with multiple goal contributions. Yehya now leads the team in goals at four, which is second-most in the WAC and ranks among the top 25 in the country.
The Eagles had two quick chances in the 12th minute, but the Wolverines were able to withstand both. Ben Williams made a save, then a second effort was cleared off the line by a UVU defender.
Utah Valley capitalized on its next scoring opportunity in the 15th minute, with Issaka Salifu connecting with Yehya for the first goal of the night. Salifu's assist is his first as a Wolverine.
Williams was forced into action in the 48th minute, sending a shot by FGCU's Shoki Yoshida over the crossbar for a corner. Williams made his final save of the night five minutes later on a tame effort by Job Choute.
Yehya doubled the lead in the 62nd minute with an unassisted strike into the bottom right of the goal. Yehya had one last chance at his hat trick in the 76th minute, but his shot was blocked.
Utah Valley returns to Clyde Field on Friday to begin a six-game homestand with the Cal Poly Mustangs. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MT, and the game will be streamed live on ESPN+. Tickets are available at GoUVU.com/MSOCtix.
