Tatiana Littlefield | Posted: 6 Sep 2017 | Updated: 8 Nov 2020

Deseret First Duel kicks off with BYU hosting No. 21 Utah

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PROVO, Utah — The BYU women's soccer team will play No. 21 University of Utah on Friday, September 8, at 7 p.m. at South Field. This will be the first game in the 2017-18 Deseret First Duel.

BYU vs. Utah Game Notes

BYU Storylines

The Cougars (0-3-2) continue to seek their first win of the season on Friday. BYU is bouncing back from a 3-0 loss at No. 25 Colorado on Monday. The Buffs managed to find the back of the net on all three shots on goal. Both teams recorded 10 shots in the 90 minutes, but the Cougars continue to struggle finishing in the attacking third.

Goals by freshman forward Cameron Tucker at Penn State and senior forward Avery Walker against Cal State Fullerton are the lone goals this season. BYU hopes to end their scoring drought on Friday against the Utes.

Utah Storylines

The Utes (4-1) are coming off a 2-1 win in double overtime against Cal State Fullerton. Junior Paola van der Veen scored the game winner for her fifth goal of the season. Utah is averaging 3.4 goals per game and has only allowed three goals this season. The last time Utah won in Provo was in 2007.

West Coast Conference opponent Loyola Marymount, who was picked to finish fourth in the WCC, pulled off a 1-0 win for Utah's only loss of the year.

Game Information

  • Friday, September 8 at 7 p.m. MDT, at South Field
  • TV: BYUtv
  • TV Talent: Spencer Linton (play-by-play), Natalyn Lewis (analyst), Lauren Francom McClain (sideline)
  • Radio: BYU Radio (Sirius XM 143) and ESPN 960 AM
  • Radio Talent: Greg Wrubell (play-by-play) and Paige Barker (analyst)

Series Information

The Cougars lead the series 21-7-1. In 2016, BYU beat Utah 2-0 in Salt Lake City. 

The Deseret First Duel is entering into its 11th year. Friday's competition will be the first of many between the BYU Cougars and the Utah Utes in the 2017-18 seasons.