Monday, August 31, 2009

Weekly Update

The weekend was a 'grinder' but our team did a commendable job walking away with two big wins. Sunday's win, although not the Utes best performance, was special in other ways. Fifth year Senior Jen Christoffers and Junior Erin Dalley were the goal scorers of the game yesterday afternoon...both of these forwards are coming off of long recoveries from knee surgeries so it was great for them to mark their progress with some game winning goals. Not to mention....they are also roomies! Here's what they had to say:



This week continues to be a busy one for the team. Utah will host Weber State this Wednesday, September 2 at 7:30pm. For updated rankings, game information, and scouting reports check out utahutes.com.

Keep following the blog for behind the scenes pictures, video footage, stories, and highlights from the latest games! Go Utes!

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Utes Beat Cal Poly, Record Moves to 4-0



The University of Utah Women's Soccer team defeated Cal Poly in a hot, somewhat 'sloppy' game this afternoon. The final score was 2-0, with Jen Christoffers and Erin Dalley both returning off of injuries and posting their first goals of the season. Being the second game of a difficult weekend and a very quick turn around for the Utes, the play was not necessarily ideal, but we absolutely got the job done. The Utes are now 4-0 this season...off to a great start and still hungry for improvement and further success.

Below are some post-game interviews from Jen Christoffers (regarding her goal and the team's play) and Lauren Porter (discussing the solid play of the young defense so far).

For a link to all of the post-game audio (interviews) check out this link to our ItunesU account. Thanks to all of our fans for their great support this weekend. See you Wednesday night as we take on in-state rivalry, Weber State! Details and special features to follow.





Font size



Utes take on Cal Poly



Less than 48 hours after a huge win over Santa Clara, the Utah Soccer team will be lacing up their cleats once again to take on Cal Poly this afternoon. Cal Poly is a strong team who is coming off a 2-1 loss to No. 4 Stanford in their first game. This afternoon's match will definitely prove to be a close one, as the Utes look to become 4-0 on the season while the Mustangs will be fighting hard to get the win. Check out utahutes.com for the official press release on the game.

The game will kick off at 1:00pm at Ute Field this afternoon. See you there!

Friday, August 28, 2009

UTES BEAT SANTA CLARA







Our Utah Utes fought past SCU and came away with a 1-0 victory. Santa Clara came into the game with a national ranking of 19...but our team paid the jerseys and the ranking no attention. Kelly Isleib came up huge with her third goal in just three games...she hit a bending free kick around the wall and past the goal keeper. The goal came from 20 yards out about 20 minutes into the first half. From then on, the Utes battled their way to the victory showing great defensive composure and offensive skill as they solidified the win.

Thank you to all of our fans (over 1300!) who came out to support us. We had perhaps our biggest 'tunnel' ever after the game and many people were able to receive autographs! (Kelly even signed a basketball!)

Don't forget to meet back at Ute Field Sunday afternoon as the Utes look to become 4-0 on the season vs. Cal Poly.

Check out utahutes.com for a detailed account of the game, quotes from players and coaches, and the official game stats.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Utah vs. Santa Clara


It's already that time of the week again...the big game is just a little more than 24 hours away and we couldn't be more excited!

Before we give you details about the game, first some big news from the team: the 2009 Captains have been selected. The captains are chosen based upon team votes and for this 2009 season, the players chose: Senior Kelly Isleib, Senior Emalee Rogers, Junior Lauren Hair, and Sophomore Lauren Porter. We look forward to these captains as well as all of the upper class members leading the team to a successful year!

Hosting Santa Clara University at Ute Field is a great honor as they are a traditional women's soccer powerhouse. The Utes can't wait to get out on the field along side them and showcase their own talents for their home crowd. Both teams are 2-0 coming into the game and without doubt this will be a very close, competitive early season match.

A few members of our team have some ties with Santa Clara. Coach Rich Manning began his career in women's college soccer at SCU before accepting the head coaching job here at the U. Coach Manning was a part of the Santa Clara staff from 1998-2001 first as an assistant coach and then as an associate head coach. Rich helped the Broncos appear in 4 NCAA tournaments, 3 NCAA College Cups, and also led them to the 2001 National Championship. Oh...and did we mention Rich played for the Santa Clara Men's Soccer Team in college?? Needless to say, Manning has some strong ties lying in Santa Clara....which makes the rivalry of tomorrow night even stronger.



Junior defender Morgan Skeen, Senior goal keeper Emalee Rogers, and Sophomore midfielder Katie Martinez also have some connections with the Broncos in knowing players who have been former teammates throughout the years. All of these factors are going to make for a great competitive atmosphere!




Important for tomorrow night:

Please plan on arriving early to the game. Our Utah Volleyball Team also has a big match tomorrow night that begins at 7 so the parking lot will be crowded. Feel free to catch the first part of their match and cheer on some fellow Utes! (Located near the field in the HPER gymnasium). Also, there will be big inflatables for kids of all ages to play on before the game!

Lastly, plan on sticking around after the game for a great FIREWORKS display!! Don't forget....wear your red and cheer loud, let's help our Utes stay undefeated!!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Utes Host Santa Clara This Friday

The Utes will take on No. 22 Santa Clara this friday night at Ute Field. Both teams are currently 2-0 this season and the game promises to be a hard fought one. For a full press release about the exciting home game, visit our official website. Also check back with our blog later this week for a detailed Game Guide for the big night.

Other news includes Utah receiving votes this week in the Soccertimes.com Top 25 Coaches' Poll. Regarding this national recognition, Coach Manning comments, "I'm sure in time that with the schedule we are playing, if we continue to do well, we can crack the top 25."

Last but not least, check out Episode #1 of Ute Insider for an exclusive interview with Coach Rich Manning!

Be sure to keep up with us here on the blog, our official website, twitter, and facebook to stay posted on the latest news, events, and promotions each day! Go Utes!


Monday, August 24, 2009

Utes Defeat CS Fullerton




In a hot, physical game Sunday afternoon, the Utes were able to grind through their game in Southern California and come out on top with a 3-1 victory. Wins on the road are tough to come by and are great boosters for potential rankings. Getting the Utes on the scoreboard were Kelly Isleib, Chelsea Forbes, and Hanna Terry; Lauren Hair and Kellie Woodfield were credited with some great assists. These were the second goals for both Isleib and Forbes in just the first two games of the season. This win put the Utes at a solid 2-0 record to start the season; players and coaches alike are excited to be winning and gaining momentum as they continue through pre-season. Chelsea Forbes commented, "It is so great to get the season started like this...now we are looking ahead to the next game and hopefully we can keep winning." 

For the full game recap and stats from the game, please visit utahutes.com

This friday night the Utes will be hosting a traditional women's soccer powerhouse, Santa Clara University. Regarding this next game, Hair stated "They are always a good team but we know we can play with them. We have to prepare well this week with intense practices." 

Stay tuned for more details about this exciting upcoming match! 

Friday, August 21, 2009

Utes Win Home Opener

In the huge home opener victory over UVU, every Ute saw some action on the field. The two first half goals and four second half goals each came from a different person. The exciting goals came from Lauren Dudley, Lauren Hair, Kelly Isleib, Chelsea Forbes, Zoe Van Gorder, and Kellie Woodfield  (First career goals for Dudley, Van Gorder, and Woodfield). The game was a hard fought, fast paced one with a lot of physical play.

Coach Rich Manning remarked after the game, "I thought there was good camaradrie in the group and it translated into performance." Lauren Dudley further commented that "scoring that many goals shows that we are solid on offense and the shutout shows we are solid on defense." Coaches and players alike agree that there are still big strides to be made, but as Kelly Islieb confidently concluded, "This was a great first step for us and I think we can only get better. 

For a detailed account of a game as well as the box score and additional stats, visit our official website, utahutes.com.

The team will leave this evening to head to Southern California where they will take on Cal State Fullerton tomorrow afternoon. Keep checking back for additional game reports and details!


Following the game, there was an autograph session at midfield! Thanks to all of our fans for your support. See you next week!



Thursday, August 20, 2009

Utah Soccer 2009 Game Guide For Fans

Can you believe it? The day is here! After a grinding spring, a busy summer, and an intense pre-season, the first game has arrived...and not a minute too soon. The coaches and staff are prepared, the team is pumped, and we hope our fans are prepared for an exciting night with the Utes! The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow night (Friday) at Ute Field. Here is a guide for everything you need to know.

*Arrive a little early in order to check out and purchase our new 2009 merchandise and get a good seat!
*ENTER THE CONTEST! BEFORE THE GAME BEGINS, STOP BY THE CONCESSIONS STAND TO GUESS WHAT THE SCORE OF THE GAME WILL BE AT HALF TIME...AWESOME UTAH SOCCER PRIZES FOR WINNERS DURING HALF TIME!
*Game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. sharp.
*Stick around during half-time to watch some local youth players compete...and don't forget to grab some refreshments from the concessions stand!
*Immediately following the game, we will continue the tradition of the fans making a 'tunnel' for the players!
*Be sure to come down onto the field after the game to meet the team and receive posters and autographs at midfield!
*Last and most importantly....Wear red and cheer loud!

Don't forget to check out our official website for a game preview!

GO UTES!!


Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Youth Clinic a Huge Success!

Tonight was a busy night with two back-to-back clinics for kids of all ages! The youth players had the opportunity to sharpen up their passing, shooting, and juggling skills while meeting and hanging out with the Utes. Check out our official website for a detailed story as well as a great photo gallery from this evening. 

Don't forget...only 3 days til game time! Come watch the Utes battle it out against UVU at Ute Field this friday at 7:30 pm. See you there!

Newest Press Release!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 17, 2009  Utah Soccer Hosts Season Opener vs. Utah Valley Friday Utes kick off 2009 campaign with in-state matchup at Ute Field at 7:30 p.m.  

SALT LAKE CITY - The University of Utah women's soccer team kicks off the 2009  season at home against Utah Valley, Friday, Aug. 21, at Ute Field. Kickoff is  slated for 7:30 p.m. MT. The Utes will then hit the road for a Sunday matchup at  Cal State Fullerton at 1 p.m. PT at Titan Stadium.  The Utes are 3-0 all-time against Utah Valley and have outscored the Wolverines  11-1 in their three meetings. Utah has recorded two straight shutouts against  UVU, including a 6-0 road victory in their last meeting, Oct. 3, 2007. Utah  Valley comes into the 2009 season as the defending Great West Conference  champions following a 5-0 GWC record last year under head coach Brent Anderson.  The Wolverines are coming off of a 2-0 exhibition victory over Westminster and a  5-1 exhibition win against Weber State.  Utah and Cal State Fullerton will meet Sunday for the third time with the Utes  looking to collect their first win against the Titans. Utah and CSF last faced  off on Sept. 21, 2008, playing to a 1-1 draw in Salt Lake City after the U.  fought off an early 1-0 deficit. Defender Morgan Skeen<http://utahutes.cstv.com/sports/w-soccer/mtt/skeen_morgan00.html>  scored an unassisted goal in the 25th minute to bring the game level and earn  the tie against a Fullerton squad that had previously been ranked in the top 25  and was still receiving top-25 votes. In their only other meeting, Utah fell to  the Titans on a neutral pitch, 4-0, in 2004. This game will mark the first  regular-season game for CSF.  Utah is 9-4-1 all-time in season openers, including a 4-0 record in season  opening games played at Ute Field. 

We invite you to follow the weekly press releases at utahutes.com to keep up on the latest
updates, box scores, and statistics during our season!

Free Clinic Tonight!

Join us at Ute Field tonight for a free soccer clinic! Our players and coaches will be running the sessions...come out to train with us and meet the team! 

The clinic times are as follows:

5:30pm-7:00pm (Ages 5-9)
7:00pm-8:30pm (Ages 9-13)

Please wear proper soccer attire and bring a soccer ball....we hope to see you there!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Get Your Season Tickets!

The season is drawing nearer but there is still time to purchase season tickets for the exciting upcoming 2009 schedule! So far, our season ticket numbers are around 300; our goal is to get up to 400 this season so please help us out in making this year a special one! Season ticket costs are as follows: 

      $40- Adults
      $30- Faculty/Staff
      $10- Youth (Ages 13-18)
 
For an even more benefical 'behind the scenes' package deal, check out our newest season ticket club,
Crimson Kicks...

Benefits include:
  • Extra tickets to selected games
  • Pre-match reception for selected games
  • Exclusive email updates
  • Utah Utes Scarf
  • Utah Soccer media guide
  • Autographed team poster
  • Match program recognition
      $79- Adults
      $69- Faculty/Staff
      $49- Youth (Ages 13-18)


Tickets can be purchased online at utahtickets.com
, or over the phone at 801-581-UTIX (8849).
Spread the word and we will see you on the field! 

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Successful Scrimmage!



Last night the team competed against one another under the lights at the first real game-like setting this pre-season; it was a full field, 11 vs. 11 scrimmage. The game gave both the coaches, the players, and the fans a preview of what to expect this season. The group was tired from the second week of double days, but everyone fought hard to bring energy to the match. The end result was 2-0 for the "yellow" team (although the second goal was controversial and the teams were switched around at half time). Anne Shallenberger and Lauren Hair were the two goal-scorers of the night. The team, exhausted after the game, was then put through a physical and mental test as they ran difficult full field sprints at the end of the night. Thanks to all of our fans who came to support us last night...only 6 more days until the season begins!!

For more information about the scrimmage as well as post-game quotes from Emalee Rogers, Anne Shallenberger, Morgan Skeen and Stephanie Lemeza, go to Utahutes.com by clicking here!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Catching up with some more freshmen...

Today during practice we got to catch up with Hanna Terry and Stephanie Lemeza. Below is a little introduction...we want our fans to become familiar with all of the new faces! The team competed in a full field game this morning at practice. Each team played a different formation and different game settings were applied as they went along; such as, yellow was playing as if they were down 1-0 in the last ten minutes of the game. This helps the team get comfortable in many different situations using several strategies. Don't forget to join us tomorrow night for the 'red and white' scrimmage under the lights! 7:30pm sharp at Ute Field...see you there!


Wednesday, August 12, 2009

What a Wednesday!

Although the team only had one practice today, there was plenty going all afternoon and evening! The team met to watch the U.S. compete against Mexico (tough loss) then had an intense, competitive practice. Known among the players as the 'three team game," the girls competed in teams of 6 or 7 on a small field. The game is fast-paced and exciting...lots of goals are scored and everyone's competitiveness begins to surface. Congrats to the winning team...Turpen, Dudley, Hair, Lemeza, Mosley, Quinn, and Christoffers. After practice the team stuck around to help our grounds crew decorate the field to get it ready for the season...10 more days til it all begins! Tomorrow brings yet another day of two training sessions...more freshmen interviews and updates to follow!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Meet the new Utes!

Throughout preseason, we will be catching up with all of our new freshmen. Today, Natalie Young and Monica Okapal are the featured new gals. Check out the videos below to find out a little bit more about our young additions to the team!



Latest MWC News

The Mountain West Conference released the preseason poll yesterday. Projected to finish up in 
second or third place, the Utes are excited to rise above the competition and compete for the title this season. Click on the link below to read the official article. 

http://www.themwc.com/sports/w-soccer/spec-rel/081009aab.html

The team is grinding through another two-a-day today...updates to follow. Don't forget to check facebook to take advantage of a special opportunity with the team this evening!

Monday, August 10, 2009

Join us Friday Night!






The team will wrap up the first two weeks of preseason this Friday night (August 14) with a competitive inter-squad scrimmage! The game will kick off at 7:30pm at Ute Field. Following the game, we invite everyone to come meet the players as well as receive autographed posters and ticket coupnons for our upcoming season! We hope to see all of our fans in the stands and after the game!

Be sure to become our follower on Twitter and join our group on facebook (see the links on the left side of this page) for exclusive opportunities to get to get involved with the team behind the scenes!

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Going to the Heights for Great Cause

Day 4 of our 2009 Preseason Training Camp started early with a 6 A.M. wake up call and a 20-minute drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon to the Snowbird Resort for a very special event. The Cancer Wellness House of Utah was hosting their annual Survivors at the Summit hike.



Katie Porter
is the cousin of Ute sophomore Lauren Porter and also the Executive Director of the Cancer Wellness House. We were asked to come and help set up for this wonderful event. Teams of hikers climb up the mountain to raise money and honor loved ones afflicted by cancer. Our players took the tram up the the Hidden Peak Summit (11,000 feet) and helped to set up the seats, podium and "Tribute Flags" that were raised with names of cancer survivors. Players and coaches also got to write the names of their loved ones on flags .

For more information on the Cancer Wellness House, click here!

For more information about Snowbird Resort, click here!

Special props to sophomore Katie Martinez who managed the terrain just a couple of weeks after an arthroscopic procedure on her knee. And also kudos to Chelsea Forbes who overcame a serious fear of heights while helping out up top.

After the short trip back to campus, the team gathered for an early afternoon training session, featuring a team scrimmage. Goals were scored by Anne Shallenberger, Hanna Terry and Erin Dalley with two as the shirt team squeaked by with a close victory.

The Utes will take a much-needed rest day on Sunday before regrouping on Monday morning for another big week of preparation.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Practice, Meeting, and more Practice!

Today is the third day in a row that the Utes have participated in "2-a-days"....one practice in the morning and another in the evening. The schedule is difficult but necessary; the team's sharpness and fitness must be perfected and there are several new players... and only 2 weeks until game time! This morning's session continued to be centered around the theme of team defending on a larger scale. This afternoon's practice will emphasize playing on a full field in order combine all of the training topics while also maintaining a competitive energy. 

In between practices the team ate lunch then met in the new (awesome) locker room for an important team meeting regarding position roles, formation strategies, and team goals and standards. The meeting came to an end and sophomore defender Lauren Dudley showed her excitement about the new room followed by Coach Leslie Weeks showing off some of her hidden talent...check it out!






Thursday, August 6, 2009

Day 2...Defending

It was a quick turn around for the team as practice last night ended around 9:30pm and we took the field again this morning at 10am. Last night's session satisfied the players' competitive sides with games such as flying changes (an intense 1 vs. 1 drill). This morning the atmosphere remained full of energy but the session involved more coaching and tactical instruction. Each pre-season we review and teach what we believe are the most important aspects of defending- both individual and team. It is exhausting and oftentimes frustrating, but solid individual and team defense is imperative. 

Coach Rich Manning instructing the team about 'funneling' using Kelly Isleib, Mallory 
Mitamura, and Lauren Hair as the demonstrators. Each player eventually took a turn becoming comfortable defending with their teammates. Defending was ultimately put to the test as the team finished up with a full field scrimmage. 

The cheer at the end of practice echoed "beautiful photo utes!" as the team was preparing for group photos later in the afternoon. 



                                                                                          Assistant Coach Laurel Roderick even laced up the old (actually brand new) cleats and played left back...after having 2 kids....she's still got it! 










More footage from today and details of this evening's practice soon to come!


Wednesday, August 5, 2009

The 2009 Utah Team Takes the Field for the first time!

This afternoon The Utes began the first of many pre-season training sessions. It was a hot one...the practice ran from 1-3pm. After a good warmup, the team worked hard in a couple of possession-type games. The coaches incorporated plenty of fitness into the session! The team ended with a short scrimmage then hit the training room for ice baths and recovery treatment. After a team meeting, the Utes will meet back at Ute Field this evening for a second practice...gotta love pre-season camp! Stay tuned for daily updates!

Here is some footage from practice and a couple thoughts on how the first day went from Jen Christoffers and Morgan Skeen.

Monday, August 3, 2009

'Twas the Night Before Christmas (in August)..





The brand new Utah Soccer locker room looks quiet right now; however, it will be rocking with new gear...just like Christmas... tomorrow!











Well, we are now just hours away from the beginning of our preseason...the players are tucked in their beds with visions of sugar plums (or Under Armour gear) dancing in their heads...



The beginning of training is exciting with a new team and new players around...it is also the time for new gear! Our players like to call it Christmas in August. All kinds of new training shirts, shorts, sweats, travel bags, running shoes, sports bras, shin guards and more!







On with training and the journey with a new team!

More about the new locker room to come...it is about 80% done but some important new features to come soon!

STAY TUNED...

Exciting WPS Season Winding Down

Well, for the summer season, when things are supposed to be quiet and boring in the soccer world, there has certainly been a lot of excitement going on. Confederations Cup and Gold Cup...World Cup qualifying (USA vs. Mexico on Aug 12)....all kinds of transfer news (are Real Madrid and Manchester City buying every player on the planet?)...some great friendlies here in the U.S. (anyone see Beckham's free kick vs. Barcelona?)...and, of course we had the MLS all-star game here in Utah last week.

But, please don't forget, that the inaugural season of WPS is coming to a climax here. As we have said before, the quality of the soccer played this year has been fantastic. If you haven't been able to watch the games, please check them out...In fact, the league's web site (www.womensprosoccer.com has all kinds of highlights)

The league has seven teams and there is one week left in the season. The Los Angeles Sol has clinched 1st place and gets a spot in the final on August 22. The St. Louis Athletica has clinched 2nd place and gets a spot in the semi-final (Wed. August 19). And three teams are battling it out for 3rd and 4th...Washington, Boston and New Jersey.

So watch these highlights from yesterday's Chicago Red Stars vs. Los Angeles Sol game. You'll see a great combination goal ending with Carli Lloyd busting through from midfield to score. You'll see the one and only Marta making incredible runs to get behind the defense. And though she didn't score, her choices of when to shoot and with what part of her foot are fantastic. And you'll see two goals that come from someone heading the ball back across the box to a teammate. Great Stuff!

Watch the highights by clicking here!