On one of Seattle University's seven second-half corner kicks, Kassandra Riozzi (Marysville, Wash.) sent the ball along the goal line, where one of Utah Valley's defenders slightly deflected the ball enough for it to cross the line and give the Redhawks the eventual game-winning tally. The goal in the 54th minute was Riozzi's second in as many matches.
Down 1-0 midway through the first half, Kat Prati (Moorpark, Calif.) slid a pass into the box towards the feet of Kara Kuttler (Redmond, Wash.), who faked out a couple of Wolverine defenders and sent a shot into the right corner of the net. It was Kuttler's third goal of the season and 23rd of her career, moving her past Katie Jackson into ninth place on the program's all-time goals list. Prati earned her first career point on the play with the assist.
Utah Valley (3-7) struck first in the 17th minute, as Nicole Spencer corralled the ball at midfield and charged down the field, sending a shot inside the left post for her fourth goal of the season. It would be the only shot on goal for the Wolverines, who were held to seven total shots while Seattle University took 28 shots, eight of them on goal as well as a shot by Prati early in the second half that went off the left post.
"I continue to be impressed by the resiliency of my team when we go down by a goal," head coach Julie Woodward said. "We got some good looks at the goal, but we need to be more opportunistic in those situations. I am not pleased with the overall performance, but sometimes you get away with a win when not playing at your best."
Riozzi led all players with five total shots and three shots on goal, followed by Kuttler with two shots on goal and four total shots. Utah Valley goalie Lauren Sack was credited with six saves, while Seattle U keeper Madison Goverde (Snohomish, Wash.) earned her eighth victory of the season even though she did not make a save in the contest.
With the victory, Seattle University extended its overall winning streak to four matches and its home winning streak to five contests. The Redhawks moved back into the regional rankings this week, currently ranked eighth in the West Region by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).
Seattle University (8-4) will kick off a soccer doubleheader at Championship Field this Sunday, Oct. 3, against Portland State beginning at 12 noon in the "Kicks for Breast Cancer" match to benefit Komen For The Cure, Puget Sound. This will be the last home match for the Redhawks until the just-added season finale against Cal State Bakersfield Saturday, Nov. 6.