SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH — Utah Valley and Utah Tech battled to a 2-2 draw on Friday, extending both teams' recent struggles to find consistency. The Wolverines, ranked 8-3-3 overall, controlled much of the match with eight shots on goal but couldn't capitalize on their territorial advantage. Utah Tech, sitting at 4-6-6, equalized twice to secure the point before a red card to Miguel Regino in the 79th minute shifted momentum late.
Noah Pogue gave Utah Valley an early lead in the 38th minute, assisted by Gilles Aurelien, as the visitors established dominance in the opening half. Isaac Emojong doubled the advantage in the 30th minute with Lewis Knecht providing the assist, putting Utah Valley in control at halftime. The Wolverines' attacking prowess was evident throughout, outshooting Utah Tech 16-7 overall while generating eight corner kicks.
Utah Tech responded after the break with Dunes Nielsen scoring in the 55th minute, assisted by Tanner Dutra, to cut the deficit in half. Taylor Rogers equalized for the Utes in the 35th minute, setting up a tense final stretch. The hosts' comeback bid gained urgency despite being down a player following Regino's red card for unsporting conduct.
Utah Valley's defense tightened considerably after Utah Tech's numerical disadvantage, though the Wolverines couldn't find a winner. Utah Valley's goalkeeper made two crucial saves while Utah Tech's keeper recorded six stops to keep the match level. The defensive intensity increased in the final minutes, with both teams content to settle for the