Utah Women’s Soccer Eyes Undefeated Streak Ahead of Key August Matches
The University of Utah women's soccer team is set to play two crucial matches in late August, beginning with a home contest against the Utah State Aggies on Thursday, August 27, at Ute Field in Salt Lake City, kicking off at 7 p.m. A week later, the Utes will travel to St. George to meet the Utah Tech Trailblazers at Greater Zion Stadium, also at 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, continuing their early-season road swing. Utah has opened the season with three straight victories, all by shutout, and is aiming for a fourth win that would tie the sixth‑most undefeated starts in program history. Leading the defensive effort, goalkeeper Anna Solomon has recorded three consecutive clean sheets, becoming only the second keeper in school history to achieve that feat. Freshman forward Brooke Gardner got the team’s first goal of the season in the opener, a 1‑0 win over Southern Utah, while Utah Tech’s top scorer Ella Rusick has already netted four goals in her first four appearances. Utah State, after an early loss and a tie, has won two straight matches, with Ellie Hendrix delivering the decisive goal against Utah Valley. Utah Tech’s start has been mixed, highlighted by a 3‑0 defeat at Portland, but the team remains competitive as it prepares for its next home game. Coach Hideki Nakada’s squad includes returning players Jackie Poortinga and Sam Gomez and a new addition, Emma Greenwood, who brings experience from Cal Poly Pomona and San Diego Surf Soccer Club. The schedule ahead features a home matchup against Arizona State on September 18 and a final home game versus Kansas State on November 4, part of a demanding Big 12 slate that the team hopes will propel it toward an NCAA Tournament berth.
