LOGAN, Utah - Utah State soccer gave fans a sneak peek at this year's squad at its annual Blue & White scrimmage Saturday morning at Chuck & Gloria Bell Field. Playing two 35-minute halves, the blue team came out on top with a 3-0 victory, scoring all three goals in the first 20 minutes.
"Today we saw a lot of really good things," said Utah State head coach Manny Martins. "You never know fully until you play another team, but our attacking had a lot of versatility and a lot of creativity. We had some great goals, and some young players coming in and blending well with the veterans. The experience of our veterans really showed today. There was a lot of composure, maturity and good decisions."
Junior forward Tess Werts played a key role in all three goals, scoring one and assisting on the other two. The first strike belonged to sophomore midfielder Summer Diamond, who connected on a cross within the box from Werts in the 14th minute to take the early lead. Just four minutes later in the 18th minute, Werts scored unassisted. The final goal of the morning came in the 20th minute, when Werts found senior forward Bizzy Arevalo in front of the net to make it 3-0.
"From the start, everyone was ready and had good vibes and energy for game day. I think we all had the right mindset," Werts said. "Everyone played really well. In the weeks leading up to this, we've been working on set pieces and building and the attacking final third, and I think that really showed and we implemented what we've been working on in practice."
In the first half, the blue team was composed of mostly veterans, while most of the squad's newcomers were on the white team. At halftime, several players swapped teams before the second 35-minute period. Graduate keeper Cora Brendle spent all 70 minutes in net for the blue team, while graduate Ava Gotchy played the entire match for the white team.
The Aggies boast one of the league's most experienced squads, with 15 letterwinners and eight starters returning from last year's team, including two all-Mountain West honorees. The Aggies also welcome 11 newcomers to the roster, including eight freshmen and three transfers.
Utah State's 2024 campaign officially kicks off next week when the Aggies travel to Honolulu, Hawaii, for a pair of games. The team will face Pepperdine on Thursday, Aug. 15, at 5:30 p.m. (MT), then take on Hawaii on Sunday, Aug. 18, at 6:30 p.m.
TICKETS
Fans can purchase season tickets now here. Adult season tickets are available for $45, while youth can gain access to all games by joining the Junior Aggie Kids Club for $25. All seating at Chuck and Gloria Bell Field is general admission. Seating in the stadium bleachers is first come, first served. Fans are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for grass and berm seating.
FOLLOW
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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