Utah United rallies for 3-2 win in USL League Two season opener
Alejandro Silva scored twice, and Ellis Spikner scored the game-winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time to lift Utah United by Albion Colorado in the USL League Two season opener Thursday.
By: Utah United media services
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OREM, Utah (May 23, 2024) — Utah United opened its second season in USL League Two with a wild, come-from-behind victory Thursday night.
Alejandro Silva scored twice, and Ellis Spikner scored the game-winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time to lift Utah United by Albion Colorado in a season opener for both teams at Clyde Field at Utah Valley University.
After going down 2-0 just 15 minutes into the match, Utah pulled one back through Silva’s first goal. The second-year Utah United product out of Salt Lake City by way of Utah Valley and Oregon State ripped a 25-yard free kick inside the left post to break Albion’s shutout.
Utah equalized in first-half stoppage time, when Spikner drew a penalty kick and Silva converted from the spot to tie the match at 2-2.
After 45 minutes of deadlock in the second half, Larsen Rogers whipped a ball into the penalty area that caromed around in the box before Spikner got the final touch to send through United’s decisive third goal in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
Utah United returns to Clyde Field on Tuesday, May 27 when it hosts Flatirons FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. MT.
Quotable: Utah United head coach Mark Davis
“I’m super pleased with tonight’s game. It shows a lot of grit that the boys were able to come back from 2-0 down. They battled really hard, and scored two goals in stoppage time — one in the first half when Ellis drew a penalty kick, and Alejandro put it in. And then in the 96th minute.
“What a great experience for the boys. They showed a huge amount of grit, and are starting to become a true team. Alejandro’s performance was very good. We’re looking forward to a huge season out of him, just like last year.”
Player of the Match
Alejandro Silva: The Salt Lake City native scored two goals, including an eye-popping free kick in the 20th minute after Utah United fell behind 2-0 that helped spark the host’s rally.
