OREM, Utah — Nil Grau scored a goal in the 25th minute and the Wolverine defense pitched a shutout to lead Utah Valley (2-0) to a 1-0 win over the Central Arkansas Bears (0-1-1) on Monday evening at UCCU Stadium.
For the second game running, Grau got on the scoresheet after picking up an assist in the Wolverines' season opener on Thursday. Jose Luis Martin Montealegre and Noah Pogue each picked up assists.
"At the end of the day, we're here to get results, and we got the result done," said head coach Michael Chesler. "We did really well on the attack in the first half. We had some things defensively we needed to clean up, but we did a good job of [cleaning those up] and limiting them in the second half, and got out of here with the result."
Utah Valley once again did a great job of limiting the prime scoring opportunities, holding UCA without a shot on goal and leading 10-7 in total shots. Kolby Sessions made his first start of the season in goal, registering the seventh clean sheet of his Wolverine career, moving into a tie for third all-time.
Montealegre had the first scoring opportunity in the fifth minute after his shot deflected off a defender and struck woodwork.
The Wolverines were sloppy in possession early on, allowing for the Bears to get some chances in transition, but none tested Sessions in net.
Grau got Utah Valley on the board right on the stroke of the 25th minute after initially being called offside. Pogue lofted a long header into the 18 for Montealegre, who chested it on to Grau, who volleyed it home while turning with his back to goal.
The Wolverine defense locked in after intermission, holding the Bears to one singular shot off target. UVU had a pair of good chances in the 53rd and 56th minutes, but both efforts were sent behind for corners.
Naime Odeh had the last scoring chance in the 75th minute on a shot similar to his goal on Thursday against Pacific, but his curling effort went just wide right.
Utah Valley will hit the road for the first time during the regular season, traveling to the Bay Area to face the Santa Clara Broncos on Sunday, August 30. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. MDT, and the game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
