St. Thomas Survives Utah Tech Rally for 2-1 Home Victory Tommies earn first win of season despite late red card drama in Minneapolis opener
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The University of St. Thomas earned their first victory of the 2025 season with a thrilling 2-1 triumph over Utah Tech University at Home Stadium on Thursday evening, improving to 1-0-2 while extending their unbeaten streak to three matches.
The Tommies controlled the tempo from the opening whistle, outshooting the Trailblazers 12-6 in a match that showcased contrasting styles. St. Thomas utilized their attacking depth and pace, while Utah Tech relied on disciplined defending and counter-attacking opportunities.
Forward Mathis Guffroy proved to be the catalyst for the home side, leading all players with six shots and three on target while finding the back of the net for his second goal of the young season. The French striker's clinical finishing and tireless work rate up front created constant problems for Utah Tech's defensive line anchored by Anthony Godinez and Miguel Regino.
The breakthrough came in the first half when St. Thomas capitalized on sustained pressure in the attacking third. The Tommies' patient build-up play, orchestrated through midfield general Ronan Selbo, eventually unlocked Utah Tech's compact defensive structure.
Utah Tech responded with renewed urgency after the intermission, with midfielder Dunes Nielsen emerging as their primary threat. Nielsen's two shots, both on target, kept St. Thomas goalkeeper Moritz Krenc honest throughout the contest. The Trailblazers' equalizer came through Nielsen's composed finish, with Taylor Rogers providing the assist to level the match at 1-1.
The decisive moment arrived when midfielder Chance Therrien restored St. Thomas' advantage with a well-taken effort. Therrien's winner capped off an impressive individual performance that saw him complete the full 83 minutes in the center of the park.
Utah Tech's hopes of salvaging a point suffered a significant blow when substitute Stetson Coy received his marching orders following two yellow cards in quick succession. Coy, who had entered the match in the 69th minute, lasted just 21 minutes on the pitch before his dismissal left the Trailblazers to navigate the final stages with ten men.
The numerical disadvantage proved costly for Utah Tech, who struggled to create meaningful chances in the closing stages despite the best efforts of Andre Saucedo and substitute Elijah Dinkel in the attacking third.
St. Thomas' defensive unit, marshaled by Simon Klevberg and Baraka Kania, stood firm under pressure while goalkeeper Krenc collected his second clean sheet contribution of the season. The Tommies' ability to manage the game's tempo and maintain their defensive shape proved crucial in securing all three points.
For Utah Tech, the defeat extends their winless run to three matches (0-1-2), though head coach will take positives from Nielsen's attacking contributions and the team's resilient performance despite the late red card. The Trailblazers showed improved attacking intent with three shots on target compared to their recent outings.
Both teams now turn their attention to challenging road fixtures, with St. Thomas traveling to face DePaul University on August 31st, while Utah Tech heads west to battle the University of the Pacific on the same date. The Tommies will look to build momentum from this victory as they continue their early-season campaign.
Key Players
- Mathis Guffroy (St. Thomas) - Led all players with 6 shots (3 on target) and scored the opening goal in an energetic 90-minute performance
- Dunes Nielsen (Utah Tech) - Provided Utah Tech's lone goal with 2 shots on target in 72 minutes of action
- Chance Therrien (St. Thomas) - Scored the decisive winner and controlled the midfield for 83 minutes