Salt Ratz finally take advantage of first-half edge

DRAPER —Twice at home this season, the Salt Ratz wasted commanding first-half performances en route to defeat. In losing league games to Sacramento and Arizona, Utah dominated the first half and led 1-0 before surrendering three points in both matches.

So when Utah looked ready to take a 1-0 lead into halftime Friday night against Las Vegas, it felt like that type of result could happen again. Instead, Christian Bowers' stoppage-time goal at the end of the first half ensured that Las Vegas wouldn't get back into the game.

The Salt Ratz added two more goals in the second half to dispatch Las Vegas 4-0 at the Juan Diego Soccer Field.

Utah's struggles at home this season, coupled with defeats on the road, have dropped the Salt Ratz into the middle of the table. Amid a season in which Utah has barely survived as a club, the team probably must win out to have a chance at the Men's Premier Soccer League playoffs. Within that context, the Salt Ratz said Friday night was a step in that direction.

"We have to win out to make the playoffs," Utah forward Kyle Christensen said. "This is a huge start."

From the left side at the end of the first half, Christensen found Bowers open at the top of the 18-yard box. In what became the last play of the half, Bowers hammered his shot past Las Vegas keeper Paul Karver to double Utah's advantage.

"The more goals you can score, the more it gets their morale down," Christensen said.

After Adam Acosta tapped in a shot to put the Salt Ratz up 3-0, Christensen scored a goal of his own off a corner kick. Josh Kimball measured the set play that found the head of Christensen.

"I'm not really known for my headers," he said of the goal. "It just worked out."

TJ Waters had opened the scoring for Utah early in the first half off an assist from Acosta.

As far as the MPSL playoff chase is concerned, Utah coach Mike Hickman Sr. thinks his team has a chance.

"I think we'll have to at least win out," he said, "but the kids are capable of it. We'll see if we can make a run of it."

Hickman, who replaced Bob Martin as the team's coach last week, moved to 2-1 as coach of the Salt Ratz.

"It's difficult," Hickman said about being thrust into the coaching position. "When you come in the middle of the season . . . you see if you can get them to play as a unit."

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