With the shutout win, Utah Valley secured its best start defensively in program history, holding the opposition without a goal through three games for the first time ever. The Wolverines are also 3-0 for the first time since 2018 and the fourth time in program history.

Keegan Oyler pitched in his fourth assist of the season on Sayawu’s opener. Oyler’s four assists are the most through three games in program history and are tied for most in the nation.

Utah Valley’s defense put on another suffocating display, holding FGCU to just two shots on goal all night, and none over the final 43 minutes. The back line especially shined in the second half, blocking six Eagle shots over the final 38 minutes.

FGCU had the first scoring opportunity in the 12th minute following a scramble in the box as the ball popped out to the top of the 18, but the ensuing shot went right at Kolby Sessions.

Moments after trying an ambitious bicycle kick that went right at the keeper, Sayawu officially opened his UVU account in the 26th minute with a header goal on a cross sent in by Keegan Oyler. After Isaac Emojong won a 50/50 ball, the midfielder chipped it forward for Oyler, who lofted a cross with his first touch that found Sayawu on the left side of the six and was headed home just inside the post.

Utah Valley doubled the lead in the 41st minute after the high Wolverine press created another opportunity. Dan McKay won the ball at the top of the box with a sliding challenge to set up Knecht, who created space with a few dribbles and unleashed a rocket of a left-footed shot from 20 yards out into the top-right corner.

The Eagles had their best scoring chance in the 47th minute on a corner kick, as Victor Lopes’ header was tipped over the crossbar by Sessions.

The Wolverines had three shots on goal in the 69th, 77th, and 79th minutes, but Emojong and Jordan Mangatal’s efforts were dealt with easily by FGCU.

Knecht had one last opportunity in the 90th minute with a run down the left wing through the Eagle defense, but his shot from a sharp angle went just wide right.

Utah Valley hits the road for the first time this season this Sunday, heading to Omaha, Neb., to face the Omaha Mavericks. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. MDT, and the game will be streamed live on the Summit League Network.

UVU women, Cal play to 1-1 draw

Ruby Hladek scored the equalizer in the 61st minute as Utah Valley University battled to a 1-1 draw with ACC foe California on Thursday night at UCCU Stadium.

The Wolverines move to 1-1-1 on the season while the Golden Bears now sit at 2-1-2.

Cal struck first in the 52nd minute when Coco Thistle sent a shot into the upper-right corner of the net to take a 1-0 lead. Just nine minutes later, Hladek made a move around a defender into the left side of the box and fired a left-footed strike that deflected off the Cal keeper and found the back of the net to level the match at 1-1.

Utah Valley nearly came away with the win as Mia Owens sent a header toward goal in the final seconds that missed just wide as time expired.

The Wolverines outshot Cal 18-8 overall, including a 6-4 edge on goal, and held an 8-1 advantage on corner kicks. Faith Webber paced UVU with five shots, while Hladek recorded three shots, all on frame. Senior goalkeeper Leah Wolf played all 90 minutes in goal and tallied three saves.

“I felt like we could have finished a couple and left some chances out there,” UVU head coach Chris Lemay said. “Cal scored a great goal, but I was happy with the reaction that we came back and tied it. I thought we were knocking on the door and unfortunately couldn’t find that second one. It’s kind of weird to sit here and be a little bit upset that we didn’t get a result against a good ACC program, but I felt like we were good enough to sneak away with three points tonight.”

The Wolverines now turn their attention to SEC foe Auburn, which visits Orem on Monday for a noon kickoff at UCCU Stadium.

“Auburn plays in a real high-level conference. They’re going to be combative and athletic, so our job doesn’t get any easier,” Lemay added. “It’s going to be another battle and we’ll have to show up and be at our best to give ourselves a chance to get a result.”

Monday’s match against Auburn will be broadcast live on ESPN+. Fans can purchase tickets at GoUVU.com/tickets.