SAN JOSE, Calif. - Utah State soccer was called for a handball in the box in the 73rd minute and San José State scored the only goal of the match from the penalty spot on Sunday afternoon as the Aggies lost 1-0 against the Spartans. The match marked the first non-overtime contest for the Aggies in conference play after all signs pointed that extra time was going to be needed.

Neither team scored in the opening 45 minutes as neither team was even credited with their first shot until the 13the minute. Overall, San José State held a 6-4 advantage in shots going into the break, but the Aggies were credited with two shots on goal to the Spartans' one.

Utah State's offense pick up the intensity in the second half, recording nine shots to the Spartans' seven and creating three corner kick opportunities. However, it was the penalty kick in the 73rd minute that proved to be the difference as the Aggies came away with the loss.

Junior midfielder Ashley Cardozo led Utah State with four shots, including two on goal, narrowly missing the back of the net on a free kick in the 57th minute as SJSU keeper Ariana Romero parried the ball over the woodwork. Romero finished the match with four saves, while Utah State freshman keeper Diera Walton matched the effort with four saves of her own.

USU will be back in action on Friday, Oct. 11, hosting New Mexico at 4 p.m. The match will mark just the third time in 13 matches that the Aggies will have played at home this season. Utah State makes up for the extra travel on the front end of the schedule by playing five of its final seven matches in Logan.

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.

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