ST. GEORGE, Utah – The Portland State women's soccer team claimed an early lead against Utah Tech but couldn't hold on, conceding two goals in the final 15 minutes to fall 2-1 Friday evening at Greater Zion Stadium.

The Vikings dropped to 1-4-2 on the season, while the Trailblazers improved to 4-3-2.

Portland State entered the match with just one first-half goal all season, but that changed on Friday. After a quiet opening 38 minutes, Sydney Spotts played a perfectly timed pass to fellow sophomore Grace Sarabia, who slotted it into the bottom-left corner for her first career goal, giving the Vikings a 1-0 lead in the 39th minute. 

Goalkeeper Finley Crabtree and the Viking back line held strong for the rest of the first half and much of the second before Utah Tech finally broke through in the 77th minute to level the score. The Trailblazers then rode that momentum, scoring the go-ahead goal just five minutes later to take a 2-1 lead.

The Vikings were unable to create opportunities in the final minutes, falling short as time expired. Crabtree faced 25 shots by the Trailblazers, including nine on goal, and finished with a career-high seven saves. PSU's attack was limited to five shots and two corner kicks in the match.

Portland State will wrap up non-conference play this Sunday, Sept. 21, at Southern Utah. Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. MT at Thunderbird Soccer Field in Cedar City, Utah.