A Strong Start to the Season
The University of Utah women's soccer squad kicked off the 2026 season with a 2‑0 victory over Utah Valley, extending an unbeaten streak to two games and marking the beginning of a schedule packed with Big 12 competition.
Goalkeeper Anna Solomon was the centerpiece of the performance, recording back‑to‑back shutouts that earned her the Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Week honor – the first such recognition for a Utah keeper since 2019.
Scoring came from unexpected sources, with Reese Clem finding the net in the 63rd minute after a precise through ball from Shannon Davidson, and Katie Callaway adding a second goal in the 82nd minute, her fourth career tally.
The shutout run represents the first time the Utes have opened a campaign with five consecutive clean sheets since 2015, underscoring a defensive transformation that has already drawn praise from coaches and analysts alike.
Looking Ahead to Southern Utah
Southern Utah entered the new year with a mixed record, winning two games and dropping one, including narrow 1‑0 victories over South Carolina State and The Citadel, setting the stage for a third meeting with Utah that has historically favored the Utes.
The two programs have met twice before, with Utah prevailing 6‑2 in 2013 and 4‑0 in 2012, a historical edge that adds extra intrigue to the upcoming encounter.
Adding to the narrative, two substitutes found the scoresheet in the recent win over Utah Valley, marking the first occasion since a 5‑0 victory in 2023 that multiple bench players contributed goals in the same match.
Beyond the early results, the team is eyeing a ninth NCAA Tournament appearance since 2019, a goal that would build on the Sweet 16 run achieved in 2016, while the upcoming clash with Southern Utah promises another test of the Utes' depth and resilience.