Utah Tech University men’s soccer team looks to close out the season with success as they take on Grand Canyon University Oct. 19.
The men’s soccer team will play against Western Athletic Conference opponent GCU in Phoenix, with the last time these two teams met being at the Greater Zion stadium. The Trailblazers came out on top, winning the game 2-1.
Although Utah Tech came out with a win the last time they played GCU, the previous matchups didn’t end in their favor. GCU has defeated the Trailblazers 10 times throughout their school history. Whereas, Utah Tech has defeated the Antelopes three times. In the past 10 years, they’ve only played each other three times with GCU winning two out of the three matchups.
Gavin Coe, a junior exercise science major from Saratoga Springs, scored the second goal to put the game away the last time they played GCU.
Coe has learned from past positive game experiences to come in with a light-hearted attitude. He said the key is to not overthink or make it seem more significant than it is.
“I just think it’s any other game,” Coe said. “It’s hard when you put that pressure on yourself, so just go into it thinking it’s another regular game, and you’ll just perform well.”
Utah Tech first faced off against GCU in October 2008, where they lost 1-0. Later that same month, the Trailblazers played the Antelopes again, getting revenge by winning 1-0. They would face each other four more times before Utah Tech would win again in 2011, with a score of 1-0.
Traedon Chamberlain, a senior recreation and sports management major from Sandy, believes this upcoming match will serve as a test to see exactly where the team stands as a Division l program. Chamberlain said these are the types of games that need to result in a win to compete in conference championships.
“It is keeping the energy, a clear mindset and a clear motive of what we’re trying to accomplish,” Chamberlain said. “Not varying from that as the game continues whether we’re up or we’re down or we’re tied.”
With the season coming to an end, the Trailblazers look to end strong and capture a spot in the 2023 WAC Men’s Soccer Tournament. The tournament will be played from Nov. 5 through Nov. 11 at the Peter Johann Memorial Field in Las Vegas. The top six finishing teams during the regular season will compete in the tournament.
Damian Arguello, a junior recreation sports management major from Caldwell, Idaho, is a Salt Lake Community College transfer student. Arguello said the team has accomplished far more than he expected and is eager to accomplish the end goal of being conference champs.
“From last year to this year, I see a big difference,” Arguello said. “Last year these guys were fighting not to be the last, and this year we are fighting to be at the top. It’s a huge improvement.”
Despite the history of the matchups, Utah Tech prepares to face GCU and prove they have what it takes to capture a spot in the 2023 WAC Men’s Soccer Tournament.
