USU Match Notes | Illinois State Live Stats | UIC Live Stats
Utah State soccer (3-2-0) will take a two-match road trip to the state of Illinois this weekend, facing the Redbirds of Illinois State (2-4-0) on Friday, Sept. 13, followed by a matchup with the Flames of UIC in Chicago, Ill., on Sunday, Sept. 15.
Where to Watch
A video stream will not be available for either match this weekend, but fans can follow along via live stat links online at www.utahstateaggies.com.
Last Time Out
Utah State's offense exploded for its most goals in a match since the 2016 season in a 5-1 victory at Marquette last Sunday. Five different Aggies scored as freshman Sid Barlow, junior Ashley Cardozo, sophomore Marli Niederhauser, junior Kami Warner and senior Alecia Robinson all recorded their first goal of the season. Cardozo and junior Kanyan Merrill were credited with two assists apiece.
Looking at Illinois State
Illinois State is 2-4-0 on the year and has lost four of its last five matches. The Redbirds' two victories this season came at Omaha, 3-2, and at home against Northern Illinois, 3-0.
Senior Kate Del Fava is one of the top goal scorers in the nation, logging eight this season to rank fourth in all of the NCAA. Del Fava has also tallied one assist to lead the Redbirds with 17 points on the year. Senior Mikayla Unger leads Illinois State with three assists. Senior Haley Smith has played all but 20 seconds in net for the Redbirds, totaling 31 saves on the year and carrying a goals against average of 2.00.
Looking at UIC
UIC is 2-2-1 on the year and hosting Sam Houston State on Thursday before welcoming the Aggies to Flames Field on Sunday.
UIC has scored three goals on the year with each coming from a separate player. Two of the goals have been assisted, with senior Cassidy Privett and sophomore Emily Kavanaugh being credited with the helpers. Senior Lena Kurz has started in the net for UIC in every match this season, totaling 25 saves and carrying a goals against average of 0.56.
The Series with Each Team
The matches this weekend will mark the first meeting between Utah State and each school on the soccer pitch. In all, Utah State will have faced four first-time opponents this season, including Illinois State, Marquette, South Dakota and UIC.
Assist A Sista
Cardozo has recorded five assists this season, good for second-best in the MW and tied for 10th-best in school history.
Assist A Sista - Part II
Cardozo has recorded 15 assists in her career to rank fourth in Utah State history. Cardozo needs four more assists to tie the school record of 19 set by Wesley Hamblin (2014-17).
Career Assists
1. Wesley Hamblin (2014-17) 19
2. Jessica Brooksby (2013-16) 18
3. Shantel Flanary (2008-11) 17
4. Ashley Cardozo (2017- ) 15
Lindsey Smart (2006-09) 15
You Get a Goal, Everybody Gets a Goal
Utah State has totaled eight goals on the year with seven different Aggies logging at least one goal. Junior defender Imelda Williams leads USU with two goals, each a game winner.
Winning Ways
Utah State has picked up each of its victories this season when scoring first. The Aggies are also undefeated when leading at the half.
