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Utah State soccer will officially open its 2019 season this weekend, traveling to South Dakota State on Friday, Aug. 23, and South Dakota on Sunday, Aug. 25. The matches are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. (MT) and 11 a.m. (MT), respectively. Live stat and live video links will be available online at utahstateaggies.com.
Last Time Out
Utah State recorded a 0-0, double-overtime draw against Southern Utah in an exhibition match on Friday, Aug. 16. The Aggies recorded 23 shots to the Thunderbirds' four, but were unable to find the back of the net. Sophomore Rachel Noel and freshman Diera Walton split time in goal for USU, as Noel recorded three saves in the first half, while Walton stopped a penalty kick in the second half for her only save of the match.
Utah State in Season Openers
Utah State is a combined 11-11-1 all-time in season openers. The Aggies have won three of their last four openers and are unbeaten in nine of their last 10.
Looking at South Dakota State
South Dakota State is coming off a 12-6-1 (7-1 Summit League) campaign in 2018, claiming the league's regular season title for the second-straight year. The Jacks return seven starters and 17 letterwinners off last year's squad.
South Dakota State's top five scorers from 2018 return, including senior forward Leah Manuleleua (14 points) and sophomore midfielder Karlee Manding (12 points), who each had five goals. Senior midfielder Carina McLennan added five assists and a pair of goals, while junior forward Marisa Schulz and sophomore forward Abigail Kastens found the net three times each. Defensively, Kaitlin Zabel carries the most experience for a back line that surrendered only 14 goals last season, as the junior has started 32 consecutive games for South Dakota State.
Last Time Against South Dakota State
Utah State hosted the Jackrabbits in the 2017 season opener, posting a 1-0 victory in double overtime in Logan. Current USU junior Ashley Cardozo scored the game-winning goal in the 102nd minute as the Aggies outshot South Dakota State 12-8.
Familiar Foes
The 2019 season opener will mark the third time in the last four years that Utah State has opened the year against South Dakota State. The Aggies are 2-0 in the previous two contests with the Jackrabbits, posting 1-0 victories in each match.
Looking at South Dakota
South Dakota finished the 2018 season with an overall mark of 9-7-2, including a 4-4-0 ledger in the Summit League. The Coyotes finished fifth in the Summit last season and were picked to finish in the same spot in the annual preseason coaches poll.
Senior midfielder Taryn LaBree led USD with 15 points a season ago, netting a team-best six goals and finishing second on the team with three assists. In fact, USD returns every goal scorer from a season ago, including seven players that scored two or more. Despite the depth in scoring, USD will be without its starting keeper from a season ago and will look to sophomore Emma Harkleroad and freshmen Caroline Lewis and Bella Alessio to mind the net.
First Time for Everything
South Dakota is one of four first-time opponents for Utah State this season, including Marquette, Illinois State and UIC. Coincidentally, all four matches will be on the road.
