Utah women's soccer claims 1-0 win over Houston on rain-soaked senior night

SALT LAKE CITY — Despite heavy rain and a lightning delay, the Utah women's soccer team secured a 1-0 victory over Houston on senior night.

With standout defense and a crucial goal from Kelly Bullock, the Utes celebrated their seniors in style, and are now gearing up for their final home game of the regular season against Baylor.

The night started with a downpour that delayed the match for over an hour, but when the teams finally took the field, the weather didn't dampen their spirits. Senior Kasey Wardle made two key saves on the night, dismissing any notion that the elements were a challenge.

"I don't think the rain impacted us at all. I think we played some of our best soccer today," Wardle said. "We train under pressure all the time and have our forwards pressure us every day."

That preparation showed, especially in the first half, when Utah's defense stifled the Cougars, giving them no shots on goal. In the 34th minute, Bullock broke the deadlock with a brilliant strike from the left side, kicking the ball past Houston's defense into the net.

Houston's frustration mounted as the Utes' defense, led by seniors like Wardle and defender Rachel Bastone, consistently shut down any attempts to create chances.

At halftime, Utah held a 1-0 lead, with two shots on goal compared to Houston's zero.

Utah's defensive communication and organization were key, a point emphasized by Bastone after the game. "I think we were well-prepared, and we handled the weather pretty well."

In the second half, the Cougars pushed back, earning two corner kicks and increasing pressure on Utah's backline; however, Utah's defense, supported by constant communication, proved too much for Houston to break down. The Utes held firm, with Wardle making another critical save late in the match to preserve the shutout.

Utah's seniors had a big night, not just on the pitch but in terms of their impact on the program.

"Ah man, I wanna cry! I'm so beyond blessed to be here," Wardle said, reflecting on her time at Utah. "Everything that led up to this moment was just meant to be. Being here has shaped me for the better and given me so many relationships that I'll have for the rest of my life."

Bastone, who took advantage of her fifth year of eligibility, echoed similar sentiments about her time at Utah. "This is a family to me. I love the coaches — they never waver in their support and belief in me. Taking my fifth year here was the best choice I could have possibly made."

With the win, Utah moves to 7-5-5 on the season and sets its sights on Sunday's match against Baylor, which will close out their home schedule before heading to Boulder to face No. 16 Colorado.

As the Utes prepare for postseason play in the Big 12 Tournament, Bastone said the team will maintain the same mindset moving forward.

"We're going to go in with the same mentality as tonight, get our bodies and minds right, and we are going to entertain the home crowd on Sunday!"

For Houston, the loss means they will travel to Provo next to take on BYU still searching for consistency in their debut Big 12 season.

As the night ended in celebration, Utah's seniors could leave the field knowing they had contributed to an impressive chapter in Utes soccer history.

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