LOGAN, Utah - Utah State soccer lost its 2019 season opener at South Dakota State on Friday afternoon as the Jackrabbits converted a penalty kick in the 89th minute for the only goal of the game. With the result, USU is now 11-12-1 all-time in season openers and opens the year with an 0-1-0 mark, while SDSU moves to 1-0-0 with the victory.

The Aggies were the more dangerous team throughout the match, recording 10 shots with five on goal. Utah State forward Alecia Robinson led all players on the pitch with three shots. South Dakota State finished the match with 15 shots, including three on goal.

South Dakota State was awarded a penalty kick late in the match when the referee called a hand ball on the Utah State defense during an SDSU cross. USU keeper Rachel Noel guessed right, but the Jackrabbits' Karlee Manding was able to strike it past the diving keeper for the game winner. Noel ultimately finished the match with two saves.

"We've got a lot of positives to take away from this match," head coach Heather Cairns said after the match. "Our team is a little salty and felt like we deserved a better finish. We played well and continued to get better throughout the match and really solved what they were doing. We are looking forward to getting back at it on Sunday."

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.