Skolmoski Scores Pair to Push Utah Past Arizona, 2-1

Sunday, October 2

Tucson, Ariz.

2:00 PM

University of Utah

7-2-1

Arizona

5-5-1

Utah

Arizona

Skolmoski Scores Pair to Push Utah Past Arizona, 2-1

10/2/2016 4:13 PM | Soccer

Box Score

Sophomore nets pair to keep Utes unbeaten in Pac-12 play

TUCSON, Ariz. - Hailey Skolmoski scored a pair of goals as Utah Soccer erased an early deficit and stayed unbeaten in Pac-12 play with a 2-1 win at Arizona this afternoon.

"Road games are always a battle and we knew Arizona played a direct style so we wanted to play simple and together," Skolmoski said.

"The team has really developed a very resilient mindset and I think they roll with things, wherever the game takes them," head coach Rich Manning said. "Whatever the opponent presents, or what we have to overcome, this team works their way through things and they don't seem to be phased."

Skolmoski scored the equalizer on the half hour after missing a penalty kick and then added the winner in the 70th minute. In the process, Utah ran its unbeaten run to 23 contests when they score two goals or more on the road, dating back to 2008.

Skolmoski, a sophomore, now has eight goals this year, the most for a Ute since 2009 (Erin Dailey, 9), as well as four game-winners, most since 2007, and 18 points, most since 2009. This was also the first multi-goal game for a Ute since Megan Trabert scored a pair during a 4-3 double-overtime win at Washington State in 2013.

"I don't care who scores, I'm here to do my job," Skolmoski added. "Whether it's scoring or setting someone else up I just want us to win."

"She brings a goal-scoring mindset and her qualities were evident on both goals," Manning stated. "She has a short memory, which you saw on the first goal. She had her penalty saved and she stayed in the play and scored. Then she has a good knack of getting into dangerous places, which was seen on the second goal."

Utah fell behind in the 10th minute when Paige Crouch scored her fourth goal of the season, giving the 'Cats a 1-0 lead. July Mathias stayed tough in goal, denying Crouch twice while also stopping tries from Jaden Degracie-Bailey, Lexe Selman-Richards and Brandi Park in the first half.

Max Flom had Utah's best chances in the first 15 minutes, stopped twice by UA keeper Lainey Burdett. Skolmoski had two good chances as well before scoring her first goal, one being her penalty attempt. With the game tied, Katie Rogers almost put Utah in front but Burdett was quick to react in the 39th minute.

The Utes had a couple chances to grab the lead in the second half as Tavia Leachman went wide from a corner-kick and Rogers was stopped again in the 57th minute. Janie Kearl had an attempt blocked but seconds later, Skolmoski had her second of the game. Holly Daugirda was credited with an assist, her team-leading third of the season on the eventual winner.

At the other end, Mathias continued her strong play, stopping Gabi Stoian in the 58th minute to keep things tied and then denying Selman-Richards to preserve the victory in the dying moments.

Utah will finally play its first Pac-12 home game on Thursday at 7 p.m. against Oregon State. The Utes will also host Oregon on Sunday at 2 pm. to conclude Homecoming Weekend.