Utah Valley draws with Portland State

 PORTLAND, Oregon --  A late goal helped Utah Valley force a 1-1 tie at Portland State on Friday, giving both teams their first draw of 2010.

For nearly 80 minutes it looked like the Wolverines (3-7-1) would go down at the hands of an own goal. Just over five minutes into the game, the Vikings (4-6-1) had the lead when miscommunication on the defensive side of the ball for the Wolverines resulted in the goal.

Utah Valley trailed for the next 79 minutes until - in the 84th minute - a Kaitlyn Thomas cross found Ashley Burdett for her first goal of the season, tying the game at one.

"It was a pretty even battle most of the way," said UVU head coach Brent Anderson. "It's probably the most complete game we've played so far from beginning to end. I was really pleased with the composure of the team, especially after going down early on an own goal. We could have folded but we battled back and I'm happy with the effort."

In the two overtime periods, Utah Valley out-shot Portland State 8-2 to gain a 21-19 advantage overall. The Wolverines had 12 shots on goal compared to five for the Vikings. It's the first time this season that UVU has out-shot its opponent in five road contests.

The Wolverines very nearly stole the win in the final seconds but Haley Curtis' shot was saved by Viking keeper Lainey Hulsizer, one of her eight saves in the second half and overtimes.

Utah Valley will now return home to face Houston Baptist next Friday, Oct. 8 to open Great West Conference action. The Wolverines were 5-0-1 in the GWC's inaugural season in 2009, winning both the west division and tournament championship. UVU was 1-0-1 against HBU including a 1-0 win in the tournament championship.