OREM, Utah — Naime Odeh scored a curler in the 10th minute and Jose Luis Martin Montealegre netted a game-winning header in the 77th minute to lead Utah Valley past the Pacific Tigers for Michael Chesler's first win as head coach.
"Proud of the boys putting in the amazing effort," said Chesler. "Outshot the opponent, got into their half. Took us a little while to get the [game winner], but we'll take it. We want to dominate the game and set the tone. We probably had some tackles that were a little bit too rough, but we'll take it. It sets the tone and lets them know we're not going to let them play the way they want to play."
Nil Grau and Jackson Medina picked up assists on Odeh's opener, while Noah Pogue and Owen Knecht got on the scoresheet with assists on Montealegre's game-winner. For Medina, it is the team's first goalie assist since Joseph Wheelwright against Santa Clara in 2019. Knecht's assist comes in his first game back after a two-year Church mission to Paraguay.
In a game that got increasingly chippy and stop-and-start, the Wolverines dominated in both possession and shots. Utah Valley held a 61-39 edge in possession, and out shot the Tigers 19-7, including a 7-1 mark in shots on goal. The hot temperatures paired with the high altitude led to cramping issues for both squads most of the second half.
The Wolverines held the lion's share of the possession in the early going, converting a quick end-to-end buildup in the 10th minute to take a 1-0 lead. Goalkeeper Jackson Medina hit Nil Grau in stride with a long ball over the top, with the Spaniard cutting back across the 18 to tee up Odeh, who hit a curler around the defender and into the upper 90.
That lead was short-lived as the Tigers caught Medina off his line with a goal late in the 12th minute from Fateh Singh.
Montealegre had the closest chance of the remainder of the half, cutting in from the right flank and sending a shot inches wide of the left post. Adem Arous had another shot on frame in the 40th minute, but his deflected effort was dealt with easily.
The Wolverines had a chance to regain their lead in the 54th minute as Brayden Tester's free header on a corner kick struck woodwork and was cleared away.
Utah Valley regained the lead in the 77th minute on a beautiful switch of play from Noah Pogue. Pogue lofted a cross from the near sideline towards the back post to Owen Knecht, who bounced a header to Montealegre, who nodded it past the keeper.
Pacific had a free kick in a dangerous position in the 86th minute, but Oliver Watts stood strong and blocked the booming free kick with his chest.
Utah Valley is back in action on Monday afternoon against the Central Arkansas Bears in the first game of a single-admission doubleheader with the women's soccer team. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. MDT, and tickets can be purchased at GoUVU.com/GetTix.
