LOGAN, Utah – Utah State soccer (1-3, 1-3 MW) burst out of its slump in a big way Friday, opening the home portion of its season in a 5-0 Mountain West win over Air Force (1-2, 1-2 MW).

Credited with an assist on three of the five goals Friday, senior midfielder Ashley Cardozo became the all-time assist leader at Utah State. She now has 20 assists in her career, passing the previous record of 19 held by Wesley Hamblin. 

Utah State's five goals are the most since a 5-1 victory at Marquette on Sept. 8, 2019. The five-goal victory marked the largest win for the Aggies since a 6-1 win at Boise State on Oct. 28, 2016. 

Prior to Friday's contest, Utah State had taken a total of 17 shots, nine of which were on goal, on the season. The Aggies matched those totals with the same shots and on-goal percentage against the Falcons. Air Force did out-shoot USU, tallying 18 shots with 10 on goal. This marked the second time in her career that Aggie sophomore goalkeeper Diera Walton recorded 10 or more saves. 

Utah State struck early, netting the first goal of the day in the 21st minute of play. Junior forward Marli Niederhauser gained possession on a pass from freshman midfielder Whitney Lopez, hitting it into the net off the post. Senior midfielder Kami Warner extended USU's lead in the 40th minute, on a double assist from Cardozo and redshirt sophomore forward Sara Noel-Taylor. Just over two minutes later, freshman midfielder Alysia Butters netted the first goal of her career, heading the ball in off a pass from Cardozo.

Coming into the second half with a 3-0 lead, the Aggies picked up where they left off. A cross from Cardozo to Niederhauser added a goal in the 69th minute of the match. Noel-Taylor cemented the 5-0 win with her first goal of the year in the 82nd minute, drawing the keeper out of the net on a long run downfield. 

The Falcon offense was undeterred through most of the match, firing shots at Walton in the net. Air Force's best chance to score came on a penalty kick in the 53rd minute, but the shot found Walton easily. The match was a physical one, with a combined 16 fouls called. Utah State had two yellow cards issued, while Air Force had one. 

Utah State returns to action on Sunday, March 21, as it hosts Colorado College at 9 a.m. The match will be played at the RSL Soccer Center, with fan attendance limited to a team pass list.

Fans can follow Utah State soccer on Twitter, @USUSoccer, on Instagram, @USUSoccer, as well as on Facebook, at /USUSoccer. Aggie fans can also follow Utah State Athletics on Twitter, @USUAthletics, on Instagram, @USUAthletics and on Facebook at /USUAthletics.