OREM — Utah Valley opened the 2026 season with a 1-1 draw against Big Ten foe Michigan on Thursday night at UCCU Stadium.
Addie Olson scored Utah Valley's first goal of the season in the 33rd minute to give the Wolverines a 1-0 halftime lead before Michigan equalized on a penalty kick early in the second half.
"I thought Addie had a brilliant finish and impacted positively," Utah Valley head coach Chris Lemay said. "I thought that our goalkeeper, true freshman, was out of this world. Sam Curtis gave us big minutes as a central midfielder. True freshman came in and had great composure."
Curtis helped create the opening goal after battling a Michigan defender for the ball just inside the box in the 33rd minute. The ball deflected high into the air and fell to Olson, who timed it perfectly and fired a shot off the left post and into the back of the net for the 1-0 advantage.
Michigan found the equalizer in the 54th minute after Utah Valley was whistled for a foul just inside the left side of the box. Adi Walick converted the ensuing penalty kick to even the match at 1-1.
Utah Valley continued to battle throughout the second half before being forced to play the final five minutes down a player. Following a Michigan coaches challenge in the 85th minute, Isabella Agrusso was issued a second yellow card and sent off.
Despite playing shorthanded down the stretch, UVU kept Michigan off the scoreboard to secure the draw.
Utah Valley outshot Michigan 14-13 on the night, with each team putting six shots on goal. The Wolverines also held a 9-3 advantage in corner kicks.
Lemay said there were plenty of positives in the season opener, especially with several newcomers playing significant roles, but also felt his team left room for improvement.
"At the end of the day, we don't feel like we played to our best standard over the course of 90 minutes," Lemay said. "Therefore, we drew, and we feel strongly that had we given our best performance for the full 90, that the result could have gone a little bit better for us."
Olson led Utah Valley with three shots, including her goal, while Elle Young and Bailey Peterson each recorded two shots.
Freshman goalkeeper Madeleine Boucher made five saves in her collegiate debut to help preserve the draw.
Utah Valley will remain at UCCU Stadium and turn its attention to in-state rival Utah on Monday night. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., with the match broadcast live on ESPN+.
