(Colorado Springs, CO – Sept 26, 2026) – Utah Tech men's soccer earns its second straight draw as they open Mountain West Conference play with a 1-1 draw on the road at Air Force, Saturday night.
It was an evenly played first half in Colorado Springs as both teams traded scoring chances to open the match.
The first scoring chance for Utah Tech (1-6-2 / 0-0-1) came early on in the 8th minute as
Samir Cuevas got a shot off that was stopped by the Falcons' (1-3-4 / 0-0-1) keeper, then a rebound shot by
Mitch Williams was blocked by a defender.
Zack Jarvie was solid in net in the first half for UT, stopping the only shot on goal out of the six total shots the Cadets had.
Utah Tech and Air Force recorded six shots each in the first half, but headed into the locker room in a scoreless tie.
The Trailblazers were able to capitalize on their first shot on goal in the second half when freshman Griffin Vallardes gained control of a loose ball and fired a right-footed shot that zipped past the goalkeeper to give UT the lead and open the scoring. The goal was Vallardes's first of his career.
The Air Force Academy was able to find the equalizer ten minutes later when Logan Zaa scored unassisted.
Both teams again traded scoring opportunities over the final 25 minutes of play, but neither were able to finish and the match ended in a draw.
NUMBERS TO KNOW
UT earned its second straight draw
Vallardes 1st career goal
Trailblazers unbeaten in last two conference openers
UP NEXT
Utah Tech begins a four-match homestand Wednesday, as they host MWC preseason favorite Grand Canyon. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. inside Greater Zion Stadium.
