September 15, 2004

Utahns Featured in Soccer America
UV Rangers Recognized as USA Cup Finalists

The September 13, 2004 edition of Soccer America contained several flattering references to Utah players and teams. The issue contains the following description of the valiant performance of the U17 UV Rangers in the final of the USA Cup, the largest youth soccer tournament in the western hemisphere:

VUSC Eagles (Minnesota) 1, UV Rangers (Utah) 0. The Utah Rangers' Stephen Arbon and Kevin Mitchell both attacked the net early, but shots proved unsuccessful. In the 21st minute, Valley United Eagle Nicholas Barclay booted the ball from 25 yards away into the back of the Rangers' net. This power shot was one of the few shots on the Rangers' goal during the first half. Apple Valley dominated the ball in the second half, while the Rangers tested Eagle goalie Andrew Van Beck at the net. With less than five minutes left, Van Beck made a clutch diving save to stop any chance for the Rangers to tie the game.

Soccer America's college preview issue also spotlighted several Utah Youth Soccer alumni. In its preview of Arizona State's No. 20 ranked women's team, Soccer America noted that "Key is an extraordinary junior class led by Manya Makoski, [Utahn] Liz Bogus, Brittany Cooper, and [Utahn] Stephanie Ebner." Soccer America also ranked the University of Utah's women fifteenth in the country, noting that "[t]he Utes are 29-6-5 since former Santa Clara assistant Rich Manning took control in 2002. . . seven starters return, including [Utahn and] Mountain West Freshman of the Year Amanda Feigt."