Women's Soccer 5/2/2012 4:53:00 PM SUU Strategic Communication

SUU Posts 2-1 Win Over Cal State San Bernardino

LAS VEGAS, Nev., April 28 –The Southern Utah Soccer team wrapped up its spring schedule with a 2-1 victory over Cal State San Bernardino on Saturday in a match played in Las Vegas. The Thunderbirds took an early 1-0 lead on a goal by Kally Barker in the opening half but then saw the Coyotes net the equalizer just before the break to even the score at one goal apiece. Junior forward Stacey Brinkman came up with the game winner in the second period to give the T-Birds the 2-1 win.

“In the end it was a great spring and everyone finished feeling positive,” explained SUU head coach Becky Hogan. “Getting the win was the perfect way to end.”

The Thunderbirds were the aggressors throughout the day, using their physical play and new arrangements in their defensive formations to take their opponents out of their game. SUU notched its first goal after forward Missy Lazcano blew past the Coyote defense with a hard drive towards the end line. She then played the ball back across the field over the goalkeeper to Barker who ready with good position near the far post to tuck the ball in with a header to put Southern Utah out in front 1-0.

“Missy made that run all game, they just couldn't stay with her,” commented Hogan. “She made a great play to get the ball over their goal keeper, who was a tall, athletic player, to get the pass to Kally.”

The Thunderbirds held onto the lead until the closing moments of the half when CSUSB was able to notch an equalizer just before the horn. Southern Utah would recapture the lead in the second period however behind a strong goal from Brinkman.

“Stacey was working hard, challenging their defender,” explained Hogan. “She crushed her with a tackle to get a one-on-one opportunity with the goalie and then had the presence of mind to put the shot in the only spot she could have to get it past the keeper.”

Brinkman's goal proved to be the game winner as SUU won by a final score of 2-1. The T-Birds aggressive and physical play was a key factor in the contest.

“Our girls played so hard, they made tackles, headers, and just dominated every hustle category”, said Hogan. “We made adjustments to our formation that we will also use against some of the front lines in the Big Sky and we did a great job of executing.”

Southern Utah now returns to its offseason training in preparation for its first season of competition in the Big Sky Conference. The team showed tremendous progress throughout its recent matches and will look to build on the success and experience it gained over the course of the spring.

“I couldn't be prouder of this group, they have so much potential,” said Hogan. “We are asking them to do more than ever before and they have all responded. From the results so far you can see that it is really paying off.”

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Players Mentioned

#12 Kally Barker: MF; 5' 10"; Sophomore

#7 Stacey Brinkman: F; 5' 8"; Redshirt Senior

#6 Missy Lazcano: F/MF; 5' 6"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#12 Kally Barker
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: MF

#7 Stacey Brinkman
: 5' 8"; Redshirt Senior
: F

#6 Missy Lazcano
: 5' 6"; Senior
: F/MF

Players Mentioned

#12 Kally Barker

#7 Stacey Brinkman

#6 Missy Lazcano

Players Mentioned

#12 Kally Barker

#7 Stacey Brinkman

#6 Missy Lazcano