Completed Event: Soccer versus BYU on October 30, 2025 , Loss , 0, to, 2
Final Score
Soccer
0
vs BYU
2
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The University of Utah Athletics
Ute Soccer Receives First Ever NCAA Bid
11/11/2002 12:00 AM | Soccer
Nov. 11, 2002
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah women's soccer team's stellar season has earned the program its first-ever NCAA Tournament bid. The 64 team-field was announced Monday afternoon.
In the first round of the tournament, Utah (12-3-3) will travel to Provo, Utah, to compete against arch-rival BYU (16-5-0). The match is scheduled to be played Thursday, Nov. 14, at 7:00 p.m. on South Field.
If the Utes advance past the first round, they will take on the winner of the Idaho State (13-6-1) vs. Portland (14-4-2) match on Saturday in Provo.
Utah placed second in the Mountain West Conference during the regular season with a 4-1-1 record. The Utes only loss was to the Cougars 2-1 on Nov. 2 on Ute Field. Utah defeated both Portland (2-0) and Idaho State (4-1) during the regular season in Salt Lake City.
"The leadership of the seniors is reason why we have done so well this season, not me," said Head Coach Rich Manning. "I think I have brought a perception that I know what I'm doing. So the fact that I have fooled them is the key. The experience that I had at Santa Clara, going through big games and getting to the playoffs is what I think I have brought to the program. I feel confidence that I can create the right environment for this week and I think the players can sense that.
"For this week, we are going to have to change gears from 'are we in the playoffs' to 'we are in the playoffs and we need to perform', continued Manning. "The key is that we can't get overwhelmed. We need to go in and play like it is a regular game and not get caught up in the excitement."
"We were very nervous today," said senior forward Shauna Gurr-Bingham. "I think the team was really focused on this season and getting into the tournament. A lot of the credit has to go to Coach Manning. He has really helped us out this year. He is always positive no matter if we are on the field or off the field, and obviously it has shown in our record.
"I think the key to beating BYU is playing consistently for 90 minutes, continued Gurr-Bingham. "We need to stay positive and make sure we fight the whole game and not play half a game."
"It is exciting knowing this is our first bid in the NCAAs," remarked junior forward Missy Dennis. "I'm really glad to finally get over the hump and get into the tournament. I think the experience of the seniors and juniors along with the confidence of the coaches is what has made the difference this season. We played with a lot more confidence the year."
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