Alabama Soccer Defeats Utah, 3-0
8/25/2019 5:35:00 PM | Soccer
The Crimson Tide earned their first regular season win against the Utes in Sunday’s match-up
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama soccer team silenced the Utah Utes, 3-0, in a non-conference game Sunday afternoon at the Alabama Soccer Stadium.
"I thought we had one of the best performances we've had in a long while here," head coach Wes Hart said. "Obviously, we were a little discouraged and disappointed after the BYU game, but we bounced back. They were incredible."
Alabama set the scene in the first half, registering seven shots and connecting on one. Junior Brynn Martin netted the first goal of the afternoon in the 31st minute from a successful long shot 20 yards out. The Tide's defense put up a strong front, preventing the Utes to not have any shot attempts in the first half.
After a 90-minute game suspension due to lightning, Alabama was able to maintain and increase their lead. Freshman Macy Clem acquired her first career goal in the 73rd minute, with the help of junior Casey Wertz. Shortly after in the 77th minute, Wertz knocked in a successful penalty kick to bring the Tide's lead to three.
Concluding 90 minutes of action, the Tide outshot the Utes 15-8, with sophomore Riley Mattingly leading the team with four shots. Alabama also earned nine more corner kicks (10-1) in the match.
Junior goalkeeper Alex Plavin grabbed four saves and earned her first win of the season in the shutout victory.
"We started a bit slow, but we made a couple of subs and I think that changed things," Hart said. "Those players that came off the bench did exactly what we want substitutes doing. They raised the level and from there our confidence grew and grew. I thought we were awesome today."
Alabama will travel to Texas to face Rice on Thursday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. CT in Houston, followed by a match-up against Lamar on Sunday, Sept. 1 at 1 p.m. CT in Beaumont.
Get all the latest information on the team by following @AlabamaSoccer on Twitter and Facebook and AlabamaSoccer on Instagram. General athletic news can also be found at UA_Athletics on Twitter and Instagram and AlabamaAthletics on Facebook.
Team Stats

Brynn Martin (1)
Assisted By: Riley Mattingly
GOAL by ALA Martin, Brynn Assist by Mattingly, Riley.
31:18

Macy Clem (1)
Assisted By: Casey Wertz
GOAL by ALA Clem, Macy Assist by Wertz, Casey.
73:56

Casey Wertz
ALA Casey Wertz PENALTY KICK GOAL.
77:51









