LOGAN, Utah - With the score still tied 1-1 in double-overtime and time waning, senior midfielder Ashley Cardozo dribbled just outside the 18-yard box and then struck a dipping ball that went over Utah Valley's keeper and dropped in the back corner of the net to give the Aggies a 2-1 victory over the Wolverines on Friday. The goal tied the all-time game-winning goals record in USU history as Cardozo increased her career total to 11, matching Lauren Hansen's career total from 2007-10.
The result also kept Utah State unbeaten on the year as the Aggies are 4-0-1 over the first five matches this season. The start is the best for the Aggies since 2013, when that team also started the year unbeaten over the first five matches.
True to form, Utah State scored early as senior forward Sammie Murdock made a crushing tackle close to the middle of the pitch and began the USU attack. Murdock played the ball ahead to junior forward Sara Taylor, who calmly placed the ball into the back of the net in the 14th minute despite a charging effort by Utah Valley's keeper. The goal marked Taylor's first of the year and Murdock was credited with the assist. Outside of Cardozo's goal in double-overtime, all of Utah State's goals this season have come inside the first 25 minutes of the match.
Utah Valley (3-2-0) equalized in the 37th minute when a Wolverine cross penetrated the USU backline inside the 18-yard box. UVU's Sadie Brockbank made an initial attempt at goal, but the shot was turned away by USU junior keeper Diera Walton. However, the ball rebounded off Walton's hands and the Wolverines' Grace Beeston tied the score with her first goal of the season.
The teams then battled for the rest of the match with the score knotted at 1-1, until Cardozo's shot in the second overtime gave the Aggies the 2-1 win in the 109th minute.
Utah State finished the match with 16 shots to the Wolverines' 10. The Aggies also had the advantage with seven corner kicks to UVU's six. Walton finished the match with a season-high seven saves, while Cardozo led the Aggies with five shots.
USU returns to the pitch on Sunday, Sept. 5, hosting Marquette at noon. The first 150 fans to the field will receive a free pair of sunglasses.
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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