Facing Nevada in its home opener on Friday, SUU soccer battled to a 3-3 draw.
After a three-game road trip to start the 2023 season, the Thunderbirds looked on their way to its first win of the season before having to settle for a draw.
SUU got on the board first, when Whitney Gardner found Ashley Sanchez for a goal in the 18th minute.
Thunderbirds take a 1-0 lead midway through the first half!!
Thunderbirds – 1
Wolf Pack – 0 pic.twitter.com/4bSq4LS3Cl— SUU Soccer (@SUUSoccer) August 25, 2023
The T-birds added another in the 42nd minute, taking a 2-0 lead for the second match in a row. Skylar Cano found the back of the net for her second goal of the campaign, while Sammie Sofonia registered the assist.
T-Birds take a 2-0 lead late in the first half!!
Thunderbirds – 2
Wolf Pack – 0 pic.twitter.com/mQl3Wiruup— SUU Soccer (@SUUSoccer) August 25, 2023
Nevada fought back to get on the board just under 45 seconds later, making the score 2-1 thanks to a Gabby Brown goal heading to halftime.
Second half
The Wolfpack capitalized on the late momentum from the first half to open the second frame, getting a goal in the 50th minute to make it 2-2.
The two teams battled for the next 30 minutes, but neither side was able to break through.
SUU finally found its third goal in the 82nd minute, taking a 3-2 lead thanks to Chiaki Takase’s first goal in her T-birds career.
CHIAKI WITH THE STUNNER ON THE FREE KICK IN THE 82 MINUTE!!#WACTopPlay pic.twitter.com/ctrcNNZcl4
— SUU Soccer (@SUUSoccer) August 26, 2023
With only a few minutes to play, it seemed as though Southern Utah was on its way to its first win in 2023.
Instead, Nevada drew a penalty in the 90th minute, and Gabby Brown stepped up to the spot. Brown converted the PK for her second goal of the match, and the contest ended in a 3-3 draw.
The match was close throughout, as the Wolfpack edged the T-birds in shots (14-12) and shots on target (8-7).
The game was also highly physical. SUU picked up three yellow cards in the final 10 minutes, while Nevada (0-1-2) collected three cautions, including an 82nd-minute red card.
Up next
The T-birds (0-2-2) now head to the Golden State for a one-match road trip as they look for their first win.
SUU will battle Big West Conference side Cal State Fullerton (0-2-1) on Thursday, August 31. The game kicks off at 7 p.m. MT and can be seen on ESPN+.
