Rams Open Season with 2-1 Victory over Utah Tech

ST. GEORGE, Utah – A long-range delivery from Kenady Leighton that would make even Amazon jealous – nearly 35 yards out – resulted in a deflected ball and a quick tap-in from Ali Yoshida in the 86th minute, giving the Rams a 2-1 victory over Utah Tech in their season opener.

“I’m really proud of this team,” head coach Keeley Hagen said. “I have to give credit to Utah Tech for their hostile environment and their physicality. They were able to get on the board on a set piece, and we responded quickly with an equalizer. We made some adjustments at half and battled back to get a very disciplined goal from Ali. Overall, it was a gritty win, and I’m incredibly proud of our fight to come back.”

On the opening night of the 2022-23 competition year, the Rams gave the fans in the Green and Gold something to cheer for throughout the lightning-delayed contest, responding to a goal by the Trailblazers in the 9th minute with an equalizer of their own in the 11th by Liv Layton with an assist from Izzy Wildermuth.

From there, defense, goalkeeping, and a 25-minute lightning delay in the 50th minute ruled the night. Each time, however, the Rams responded.

Goalkeeper Emilie Gavilletone of the newest additions to Hagen’s second Rams teams, was stalwart between the pipes, producing a pair of particularly tenacious saves in the 72nd minute to keep the two teams knotted up. The Kansas transfer produced four saves on five shots on goal overall.

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From 𝙒𝘼𝙔 downtown‼️@KenadyLeighton drives in it, Ali Yoshida finishes it!

CSU 2 // UT 1
2H || 86′ pic.twitter.com/5vlc4qh95A

— Colorado State Soccer (@CSUFutbol) August 19, 2022

Next Up: The Rams will remain in the Beehive State and head to Salt Lake City for a Sunday match up with the Utes of Utah. Kick off is set for 2 p.m., and the game can be streamed online on the Pac-12 Network.

• at Utah (Salt Lake City, Utah)