(St. George, Utah – Sept. 17, 2023) Trailblazer men's soccer played Sunday morning, defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs 2-1 at Greater Zion Stadium in the first game of a doubleheader with Utah Tech women's soccer. The result moves UT back to .500 on the season at 3-3.
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Samir Cuevas started up top as it would be the Bulldogs who broke things open early in the game, picking off a pass near the Utah Tech box and finishing in the 8
th minute. That lead, however, would not last long.
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After the Bulldog defense was called for a foul near midfield,
AJ Ciampini stepped up and lobbed a ball into the box where a jumping
Julian Herrera headed it in for his first goal of the season, leveling the game in the 27
th minute. Sunday's goal marked the first of the season for the Las Vegas, Nev., native and the third of his collegiate career. Despite a few shots from Gonzaga late in the half, both teams were level at the break.
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The Bulldogs looked to have taken a lead midway through the second half on a counter attack, but it was called back due to a foul and the game remained level. Both teams continued to trade opportunities but Utah Tech eventually found a breakthrough with less than two minutes remaining in the game.
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Gonzaga put numbers forward for a free kick that the Trailblazers managed to head out of the box and it was off to the races on a counter attack.
Bryce Backlund took possession and played
Austin Wallace in behind the Bulldog backline, with Wallace beating the outstretched arm of the GU goalkeeper with a finish at the near post with just 1:46 remaining in the game.
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Utah Tech wouldn't allow a shot in the final two minutes and secured win number three on the season.
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Fueled by a team-high three shots apiece from
Damian Arguello and
Sami Cuevas, the Trailblazers out-shot Gonzaga 18-8, which included an 8-3 advantage in shots on goal.
Stockton Short made two saves as
Bladimir Cuevas played a season-high 48 minutes off the bench.
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Utah Tech will hit the road for its next weekend of play, heading to face San Diego State and UC San Diego next weekend.
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