LOGAN, Utah - Senior keeper Diera Walton recorded the 18th shutout of her career as the Aggies tied UC Riverside, 0-0, on Thursday night. The career total puts Walton all alone in third place in the Utah State history books, trailing only Molli Merrill (21) and Ali Griffin (22).
USU entered the match averaging 3.0 goals per game and came out firing, logging each of the first three shots of the match within the first seven minutes. The Aggies recorded seven shots over the opening 45 minutes with four shots on frame, but went into the half without a goal.
Walton made her only save of the game in the 62nd minute on the Highlanders only shot on goal as the Utah State defense stymied the UCR attack throughout the contest.
USU had its best chances with 10 minutes to play as senior forward Sara Taylor's shot in the 81st minute went off the frame of goal. Freshman forward Kaylie Chambers met a similar fate as her shot in the 89th minute careened off the cross bar, leaving the game scoreless.
Utah State finished the game with 11 shots to the Highlanders' eight, as junior defender Kelsey Kaufusi led the Aggies with a season-high five shots, including two on goal. Freshman wing Tess Werts matched the two shots on goal on each of her two shots during the match.
The Aggies remain on the road for their next two contests, facing a nationally-ranked Texas squad on Thursday, Sept. 8, followed by a meeting with Utah in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Sept. 11.
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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