WAIPAHU, Hawaii - Utah State soccer (1-0, 0-0 MW) opened its 2024 campaign with a resounding 4-0 win over Pepperdine Thursday night at Hawai'i's Waipio Peninsula Soccer Stadium.
The Aggies got off to a strong start, registering the first seven shots of the game. USU's first goal came in the 22nd minute, a goal off the right foot of graduate defender
Kylie Olsen from senior forward
Bizzy Arevalo. The Aggies found the back of the net again just three minutes later when a 25th minute goal by sophomore midfielder
Summer Diamond made the game 2-0. Olsen recorded an assist on the goal, along with senior midfielder
Rine Yonaha.
In the second half, Utah State continued to control the pace as junior forward
Tess Werts scored in the 56th minute, a left-footer on the second assist of the game by Arevalo. Fifth year midfielder
Whitney Lopez also recorded an assist on the score. In the 68th minute, the Aggies rounded out the scoring with a goal from junior midfielder
Kaylie Chambers, assisted by graduate defender
Alysia Butters.
MATCH NOTES
- With the win, Utah State remains undefeated (2-0-2) in season openers under head coach Manny Martins. USU is now 13-13-3 all-time in season openers.
- This is Utah State's first shutout win in a season opener since 2017.
- The Aggies out-shot the Waves 19-5, including eight shots on goals to Pepperdine's three.
- 10 USU newcomers made their Utah State debut in the contest, including freshmen Ellie Hendrix, Faith Hines, Austin Miller, Mia Mullenmeister, Rachel Reitz, Kaeda Wilson and Ally Yoshimura, junior Isabella Velazco and graduate Cora Brendle.
- Brendle played all 90 minutes in goal in her Utah State debut, recording three saves.
- Brendle was the lone Aggie to play all 90 minutes, as 27 players saw action in the game.
- Olsen's goal was the third of her career. Diamond's was her fifth. Lopez's was her fifth. Chambers' was her eighth.
- The Aggies took the first seven shots of the match, not allowing a Pepperdine shot until the 22nd minute of action.
- Utah State recorded four corners to Pepperdine's zero.
- In the first half, USU out-shot Pepperdine 10-1.
- Pepperdine went 9-5-5 in 2023 to qualify for the NCAA Tournament, and finished the season ranked No. 44 in RPI, just one spot behind Utah State.
UP NEXT
Utah State (1-0, 0-0 MW) will be back in action on Sunday, Aug. 18, with a match against Hawai'i in Waipahu, Hawaii. The game will not be streamed, but live stats will be available on utahstateaggies.com.
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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