LOGAN, Utah — Utah State soccer (1-1-2, 0-0-0 MW) fought in-state foe Utah to a 1-1 draw in front of a record crowd of 2,027 Thursday night at Chuck & Gloria Bell Field in Logan.
In what was the first-ever night game held in Logan at the newly-rennovated Bell Field, it was the Aggies who struck first. A free kick in the 28th minute from 40 yards out by junior midfielder Summer Diamond deflected off of a Utah defender in the box, and to the foot of sophomore forward Ellie Hendrix. Hendrix then capitalized, beating the keeper to the ball to bury a right-footer into the back of the net.
The score remained even for the next 45 minutes, before an equalizer by the Utes. It was Lilliah Blum in the 73rd minute striking from near the corner of the 18-yard box to pull even and secure the draw, the second-straight for USU.
SCORING SUMMARY
27:13 - Ellie Hendrix (USU)
Unassisted
72:02 - Lilliah Blum (UofU)
Unassisted
UTAH STATE HEAD COACH MANNY MARTINS:
"I'm super proud of our group and the effort. We always want a better result, we always play to win, but we don't always control that. We control our attitude, our effort, our preparation and the personality we come on the field with, and we're growing. Today was probably the best performance we've had all season based on not having watched the film yet. We're starting to show the personality of a team that has depth. We made changes and the game just kept getting higher. We're moving the needle in the right direction and today was a great performance. Unfortunate that we gave up a goal late, but I was proud to see us finish in the dying seconds with a great chance. As long as we can continue to do that, I feel like we're going to be where we need to be."
MATCH NOTES
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Each side totaled nine shots in the contest. USU held a 3-2 advantage in shots on goal.
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Seven different Aggies recorded shots, with Ellie Hendrix and freshman forward Kunie Hirai leading the way with two apiece off the bench.
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Ellie Hendrix's goal was her first of the year and the fourth of her career.
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This was USU's second-straight draw against a Big 12 opponent. The Aggies are now 13-43-5 all-time against Big 12 competition, with five of those wins coming under head coach Manny Martins.
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This was the first-ever draw between Utah State and Utah in 27 meetings. Utah leads the series 20-6-1.
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Graduate keeper Taylor Rath played all 90 minutes in goal for Utah State, recording two saves.
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Along with Rath, sophomore midfielder Kaeda Wilson and freshman defender Capriel Winder also played the full 90 minutes.
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Utah State's 2,027 fans in attendance breaks the previous record of 2,013 in 2023 against BYU.
UP NEXT
Utah State (1-1-2, 0-0-0 MW) will have a week off before hitting the road when the Aggies travel to face No. 11 BYU in Provo, Utah, on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 6 p.m. The match will be streamed on ESPN+.
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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