LOGAN, Utah - Utah State soccer encountered its first home defeat and first back-to-back loss of the season in a 2-1 setback against New Mexico on Friday afternoon. 

The Lobos (8-4-0, 4-1-0 MW) recorded the opening goal on their first shot of the game, as a cross by Jadyn Edwards was redirected into the back of the net by Gwen Maly in the 7th minute. Not to be outdone, Utah State (6-6-1, 1-3-1 MW) equalized on its first shot of the game when a cross by junior midfielder Ashley Cardozo found the foot of fellow junior midfielder Kami Warner. Warner then placed the ball into the top corner of the net for her second goal of the season, tying the game at 1-1 in the 19th minute. Cardozo's assist marked her seventh of the season, tying for third all-time in a single season, and the 17th of her career, moving her to third all-time in school history overall.

New Mexico came back and scored the game winner in the 29th minute when Maly logged her second goal of the game, striking a free kick from close to 22 yards past Utah State freshman keeper Diera Walton.

Utah State ramped up its offensive pressure in the second half, doubling its shot total of three during the opening 45 minutes with six shots over the final 45, but were unable to find a second equalizer. For the game, Warner and Cardozo led the Aggies with four and three shots, respectively, as each shot was also on frame.

"We gained some momentum back in the second half, and I was proud of that," head coach Heather Cairns said after the match. "We just couldn't break the back of the net. Their keeper had some good saves and we had some close calls, but we just couldn't break it. We fought really hard in the second half and gave ourselves a chance."

Utah State will return to the pitch on Sunday, hosting San Diego State at 1 p.m. 

Fans can follow the Aggie soccer program on Twitter, @USUSoccer, on Facebook at /USUSoccer and on Instagram, @USUSoccer. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on Twitter, @USUAthletics, Facebook at /USUAthletics and on Instagram, @USUAthletics.

-USU-