LOGAN, Utah - Utah State soccer's record-setting 12-match unbeaten streak came to an end on Thursday afternoon as the Aggies lost a 2-1 decision to Utah at Chuck and Gloria Bell Field. The loss also snapped a eight-match home winning streak for the Aggies, the longest such streak since the 2011 season.
Neither team was able to find the back of the net over the opening 45 minutes as each team recorded four shots. Utah (5-3-1) put the first goal on the board early in the second half when Taliana Kaufusi's shot in the 50th minute was mishandled by a usually sure-handed Diera Walton and bounced into the back of the net. Walton finished the match with five saves for the Aggies.
Utah State (6-1-1) bounced right back and equalized when senior midfielder Ashley Cardozo caught Utah's keeper off her line and chipped a ball into the upper 90 in the 52nd minute. Senior defender Karstyn Peterson was awarded the assist on the goal.
The teams battled through the 1-1 deadlock until the 83rd minute when Utah was awarded a free kick just outside the Aggies' 18-yard box. Utah's Courtney Talbot took the kick and the ball bounced off the cross bar and then took an unlucky bounce off the back of a diving Walton to give the Utes the game winner.
For the game, Utah State trailed in shots for the first time this season as Utah finished with a 13-8 advantage. The Utes also finished the match with nine corners to USU's two. Cardozo led a trio of Aggies, including senior midfielder Kami Warner and junior forward Sara Taylor, with two shots apiece. Freshman forward Heidi Smith and freshman midfielder Kenli Coon each made their collegiate debuts during the match, playing in 11 and five minutes, respectively.
Utah State closes out the non-conference portion of its 2021 schedule on Saturday, facing BYU in Provo at 5 p.m.
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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