Broncos Lose Nail-Biter in the Rain

Sunday, September 8

Boise, Idaho

1:00 PM MT

Boise State

4-0-0, 0-0-0

Utah

2-3-0, 0-0-0

Utah

Boise St.

Photo by: Boise State University

9/8/2019 5:27:00 PM | Women's Soccer

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BOISE, Idaho - It took two overtime periods to find a winner Sunday at Boas. The Boise State women's soccer team was handed its first loss of the season in a 1-0 nail-biter to Utah. The Broncos move to 4-1-0 on the year.

A strong defensive performance by Boise State kept the balance of the game in flux throughout. "That game could have gone either way, explained sophomore Sydney Smith. "I mean we pushed them, they pushed back; it was really tough. Coming out of this game, I think we have a lot to take away from it and it was a good game overall."

Head coach Jim Thomas is still focused on the bigger picture. "We'll learn from it [the match]. I don't think we're overly frustrated beyond that we wanted to beat them. We knew that there would be periods where we would have to defend and defend well, maybe get a little lucky on some of them. And we knew we had to execute when the moments came."

Boise State controlled the pitch early outshooting Utah 8-5 headed into halftime. The Utes made a charge launching 11 shots in the second half and five more between the two overtime periods. Bronco keeper Smith put on a show, however, turning away nine shots on goal. Finally, in the 103rd minute a shot off a free kick snuck past Smith as it just glanced off her glove.

"I'm pumped for her [Sydney Smith] to see what she does in training every day and in the game," said Thomas. "She's been the benefactor of a young and effective back line that hadn't given up any goals in the last two games. So her amount of saves has been low but she's had pivotal saves to make and she's made them. But today had to carry us a bit. We need to know that we can lean on her in those moments and now we do."

Despite the pouring rain and slippery conditions, Smith was in her element. "I love playing in the rain. Ever since I was little living it Idaho, it was my favorite because it always gets so hot here. It does make things a little more difficult for me but I love it."

Looking ahead, the Broncos will stay home for games two and three of this four-game homestand. Friday Sept. 13 will start with a doubleheader as Fresno State and Portland State face off in a neutral site match at 2 p.m. MT followed by the Broncos hosting Weber State at 5 p.m. MT. Sunday, Sept. 15, the Blue and Orange will square off against Portland State at 1 p.m. MT at Boas.