Utah Valley’s men’s soccer squad edged past Central Arkansas 1‑0 on Monday, August 24, 2026, with Nil Grau finding the net in the 25th minute. The goal came after an offside decision was reversed, allowing a long header from Noah Pogue to set up the finish.
The Wolverines’ defensive overhaul after the break proved decisive. Goalkeeper Kolby Sessions earned his seventh clean sheet of the season, a performance that ties him for third in program history, while the back line limited Central Arkansas to a single shot on target. Overall, Utah Valley outshot the Bears 10‑7, underscoring a balanced attack.
Coach’s Praise and Assist Contributions
Head coach Michael Chesler highlighted the team’s improved defensive cohesion and attacking sharpness, noting the timely assists from Jose Luis Martin Montealegre and Pogue that preceded Grau’s strike. He also pointed to the squad’s resilience after an early period of possession pressure.
Road Test in the Bay Area
The second half saw the Wolverines lock down, preserving the shutout while Naime Odeh forced a late chance that sailed wide in the 75th minute. The result sets up a highly anticipated first road test against the Santa Clara Broncos on August 30, a match that will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Kickoff is slated for 8:30 p.m. MDT, and fans can tune in for $4.32 per week on the streaming platform. The upcoming contest promises another chance for the Wolverines to build on their early‑season momentum.