After playing its first five matches of the 2024 season on the road, Utah Tech men's soccer finally got to play on its home pitch at Greater Zion Stadium on Friday night.

However the happy homecoming was spoiled by a late Lindenwood goal as the Trailblazer dropped a heartbreaking 2-1 decision. 

The Trailblazers (1-4-1/0-0-0 WAC) were fortunate to find themselves in a scoreless draw through the first 45 minutes, this after Lindenwood owned a 12-2 edge in shots in the opening half.

That said, Utah Tech managed to draw first blood midway through the 54^th minute when after a Lion foul just outside the Trailblazer 18-yard box, Anthony Godinez rocketed a left-footed free kick to the upper left corner of the net to put his side up 1-0.

For the junior defender it was his first goal of the season, and the second of his collegiate career.

Lindenwood (3-2-1) struck back with the equalizer late in the 72^nd-minute with a John Gates rebound and score. Lion forward Ethan Blake blasted a free kick from 35-yards out that was punched away by Blazer netminder Stockton Short.

Unfortunately the carom was corralled by Gates, who quickly settled and chipped in the second chance before the defense could fully recover.

The score remained tied until the 88:30 mark, when Lindenwood reserve Anel Kafedzic sent a ball in to Jordan Matthews, who finished just past the diving Short to give Lindenwood its first lead of the night with 90 seconds to play.

Utah Tech was held without a shot attempt in the closing moments as the Lions escaped with the road result. 

Utah Tech wound up with four shots on the night offensively. Short faced 18 total shots in the match, nine on frame, and finished with seven saves in a solid effort in goal. 

The Trailblazers continue their homestand this Monday night when they host Cal Poly in a non-conference match. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.