USAFA, Colo. — Utah State soccer (4-5-3, 1-1-1 MW) dropped its first game of Mountain West play on Thursday night at Cadet Soccer Stadium, falling to Air Force 2-1.
The Aggies were tasked with playing from behind early on after allowing a goal on the game's first shot, Air Force scoring in the ninth minute on a right-footer from Annika Jost. While Utah State took seven of the remaining eight combined shots in the first half, the Aggies went into the locker room with a deficit after 45 minutes.
The Falcons tacked on another goal in the 55th minute when Kendall Rippley made it a 2-0 contest. USU's lone goal of the contest came in the 65th minute, the first career goal for freshman forward Kunie Hirai. In total, Utah State out-shot Air Force 19-5, but two of the three shots on frame by the Falcons found the net.
SCORING SUMMARY
21:31 - Annika Jost (AFA)
Assists: AJ Heap, Elizabeth McCarron
54:39 - Kendall Rippley (AFA)
Assist: None
64:30 - Kunie Hirai (USU)
Assist: None
MATCH NOTES
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Utah State out-shot Air Force 19-5, including a 12-3 advantage in the second half.
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Utah State recorded six shots on goal to Air Force's three.
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Ten different Utah State players recorded shots, led by a team-best four for Kunie Hirai.
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Kunie Hirai's goal was the first of her career.
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Kunie Hirai is the eighth Utah State player to score a goal this season.
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Graduate keeper Taylor Rath played all 90 minutes in goal, making one save.
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Along with Rath, four other Aggies played the full 90 minutes - Summer Sofonia, Kaeda Wilson, Capriel Winder and Carli Conner.
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With the loss, Utah State falls to 9-5-3 all-time against Air Force, including a 3-4-1 record at the academy.
UP NEXT
Utah State (4-5-3, 1-1-1 MW) will now remain in Colorado Springs for a matchup this weekend against Colorado College. The match will be on Sunday, Oct. 5, beginning at 12 p.m., and will be streamed on the 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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