Brighton overcomes sluggish first half for narrow win

COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS — No. 4-ranked Brighton created very little offensively during the opening half of its Region 2 game against rival Alta on Tuesday. Meanwhile, it allowed the No. 5 Hawks several decent chances on goal.

That changed in the second half, thanks to an increase in Brighton's intensity.

The Bengals didn't create many clear-cut chances against Alta's tough defense, but the team still did enough to notch a second-half goal and beat the Hawks 1-0.

"We just battled through it," midfielder Brady Ririe said of Brighton's slow 40 minutes. "We weren't playing as well as we should've (in the first half), but we put forth the effort in the second half."

Ririe's persistence in the 56th minute helped create the Bengals' goal.

After Alta failed to a clear long throw out of the six-yard box, Ririe latched onto the ball and left Alta keeper Aaron Weymann with no chance of making a save, firing to the right and into the net.

"The goal was a hustle goal," said Alta coach Lee Mitchell. "They outworked us a bit there."

Ririe returned to action on Tuesday for the first time since spraining his right ankle in the preseason.

After the match, Brighton coach Russ Boyer said he was pleased with the performance.

"We couldn't have asked more from him," Boyer said.

Isaiah Davies almost doubled Brighton's advantage three minutes later, but his expertly-taken flick header flashed over the bar.

Brighton's midfield controlled the match during the final 20 minutes to preserve Brighton's win.

Alta's defense largely shut down star midfielder Ryan Ulanch, but Boyer said he was pleased to see other midfielders step up. Sophomore Justin Latimer and junior Parker Haycock both helped to lead the Bengal's' offensive attack.

The first half saw the Hawks control much of the play.

After the ball ricocheted in the 18-yard box and left Brighton goalie Jaddon Rogers stranded off his line, Israel Beh could've put the Hawks ahead, but he failed to control his shot from a tight position.

On 40 minutes, Rogers did well to beat away Garrett Vaughan's long drive.

Vaughan and teammate Matt Frogley created most of Alta's pressure.