SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif.—Nixan Jackson scored a goal and added an assist, while Kate Booth netted the game-winner to lead Utah Valley to a 2-1 road victory over Cal Poly on Saturday night at Spanos Stadium, keeping the Wolverines unbeaten in Big West play.
Utah Valley improves to 7-4-3 overall and 3-0-2 in Big West action, while Cal Poly falls to 5-5-3 overall and 2-2-1 in conference play.
"We knew this was going to be a difficult road match for a lot of reasons," said Utah Valley head coach Chris Lemay. "The styles of play were completely opposite, and with the surface, the size of the field and the environment, it's a difficult place to get a result. I couldn't be more proud of the way our players competed for the entire 90 minutes and how we outclassed them with our ability to play the game and keep the ball. I'm very, very happy with the result tonight."
Jackson put the Wolverines on the scoreboard in the 36th minute with an impressive individual effort. The senior forward collected the ball on the right side of the field, raced past a Cal Poly defender to create space and unleashed a left-footed strike from 25 yards out that sailed into the upper-left corner of the net, giving Utah Valley a 1-0 advantage.
Just three minutes later, the Wolverines doubled their lead following a strong defensive play by Ashley Garcia. Garcia dispossessed a Cal Poly player, dribbled past another defender and slipped a pass ahead to Jackson down the right flank. Jackson took a touch before delivering a cross into the box, where Booth redirected the ball into the net with her right foot in the 39th minute to give UVU a 2-0 lead. The goal proved to be the game-winner.
Cal Poly responded shortly after halftime as Kammy MacLennan worked her way down the right side of the field and found the back of the net in the 47th minute, cutting Utah Valley's advantage to 2-1.
The Wolverines held off the Mustangs over the remainder of the second half to secure their third Big West victory of the season and remain unbeaten through their first five conference matches.
Utah Valley outshot Cal Poly 18-11 on the night, including a 7-6 advantage in shots on goal. The Wolverines also held a 5-4 edge in corner kicks.
Sadie Beardall led UVU with four shots, including one on goal, while Jackson and Josie Clawson recorded three shots apiece.
Freshman goalkeeper Madeleine Boucher made five saves to help preserve the road victory.
Utah Valley returns to the road on Wednesday, Oct. 14, for a matchup against California Baptist in Riverside, California. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. MT.
The Wolverines will then return to UCCU Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, to host UC Riverside at 5 p.m. MT in the opening game of a soccer doubleheader. The Utah Valley men's team will follow with a 7:30 p.m. MT matchup against CSUN.
