SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Utah State soccer (6-5-5, 3-1-3 MW) earned three points on the road Sunday afternoon at the SDSU SportsDeck with a 2-0 shutout victory over San Diego State. This was the program's first-ever win over the Aztecs in San Diego.
Utah State took control of this one just 82 seconds in, when a well-placed cross from the left side by sophomore forward Mia Mullenmeister found senior forward Kaylie Chambers in the middle of the field. Chambers beat out a pair of Aztec defenders to the ball, before delivering a header into the back of the net to give the Aggies an early lead.
The remainder of the first half was scoreless, Utah State taking five total shots in the first 45 minutes while limiting the Aztecs to just four. Both sides found additional offensive success in the second half, Utah State totaling seven shots with five on goal in the final 45, San Diego State recording five shots.
The 1-0 Aggie advantage held until the closing moments of the game, when in the 88th minute, a takeaway by Mullenmeister on a goalkeeper clearance turned into a second scoring opportunity. Mullenmeister needed just a single touch to take possession, and find senior forward Tess Werts down the right side, who then beat the keeper to make it 2-0.
SCORING SUMMARY
1:22 - Kaylie Chambers (USU)
Assist: Mia Mullenmeister
87:44 - Tess Werts (USU)
Assist: Mia Mullenmeister
MATCH NOTES
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This was Utah State's fifth multi-goal game and seventh shutout of the season. It's also the team's second-straight shutout, after holding New Mexico scoreless on Thursday.
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Utah State out-shot San Diego State 12-9, including a 6-2 advantage in shots on goal.
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Utah State did not allow a shot on goal in the second half.
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Sophomore forward Ellie Hendrix led USU with a season-high three shots, all of which were on frame, in 41 minutes of action.
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Kaylie Chambers' goal was her third of the season and the 15th of her career.
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Tess Werts' goal was her fifth of the season and the 17th of her career.
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Werts now ranks tied for eighth in program history in career goals with 17, while Chambers moves into a tie for 10th in program history with 15 career goals.
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Mullenmeister's assists were her second and third of the season and the fourth and fifth of her career.
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This was the first multi-assist game of Mullenmeister's career.
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Graduate goalkeeper Taylor Rath played all 90 minutes in net for Utah State, recording two saves to earn the shutout.
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With the win, Utah State improves to 2-9-4 all-time against SDSU, with the two wins coming in the past two meetings.
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This was Utah State's first-ever win against the Aztecs in San Diego, where USU is now 1-4-2 all-time.
UP NEXT
Utah State (6-5-5, 3-1-3 MW) will remain on the road this weekend as it travels to face San Diego State on Sunday, Oct. 19, at 1 p.m. (MT). The match will be streamed on Mountain West Network.
TICKETS
Fans can purchase season tickets now here. Adult season tickets are available for $100, while youth can gain access to all games by joining the Junior Aggie Kids Club for $40. 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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