SALT LAKE CITY, Utah. – Gonzaga women's soccer opened the 2024 season with a 2-1 loss at Utah Thursday. After Katelyn Rigg scored an equalizing goal for the Zags in the 53^rd minute, the Utes scored the game-winning goal in the final minute.
 
After a handball was called on GU (0-1-0) just outside the box, Utah's Bella Woods curled in a free kick around the wall to the far post for the win with 51 seconds remaining in the match. It was the sophomore's second career goal.
 
Taliana Kaufusi opened the scoring for Utah in the eighth minute, looping a shot into the corner of the net.
 
Rigg's fifth career goal came off a corner kick from Marissa Garcia. Rigg headed in the corner, giving Garcia her ninth career assist. Garcia moved into sole possession for eighth all-time at GU with 45 career points.
 
The Utes outshot the Zags 13-10, but the Bulldogs had a 6-5 edge in shots on goal. Erin Gibbs made four saves for Utah, while Lauren Towne had four in the GU net. The Zags also had a 7-6 advantage in corner kicks.
 
Gonzaga is at California (1-0-0) next Thursday at 1:30 p.m. The Golden Bears opened their season with a 2-1 win over UC San Diego Thursday. A live broadcast will be available on ESPN Plus through the ACC Network, and live stats will be on GoZags.com.