PROVO, Utah — Utah State soccer (1-2-2, 0-0-0 MW) fell on the road to No. 11 BYU Saturday night, losing 2-0 at BYU's South Field in Provo.

Utah State recorded a season-high 23 shots in the contest, out-shooting BYU by a combined total of 23-12, but were unable to capitalize and find the back of the net. 

The Aggies were tasked with playing from behind early on after the 11th-ranked Cougars used a first-half brace by Mia Goettsche to take command in the score column. BYU first struck in the 17th minute on a set piece goal from the corner, then again in the 33rd minute when a header snuck just inches inside of the right post. The first half finished at 2-0, with each side recording eight shots through 45 minutes. 

Despite the deficit, the Aggies were the aggressors in the second half, firing off 15 shots to BYU's four after the break. Utah State also earned a 5-4 advantage in corners on the night. 

SCORING SUMMARY

16:13 - Mia Goettsche (BYU)

        Assist: Mika Krommenhoek

32:11 - Mia Goettsche (BYU)

        Assist: Halle Dixon

UTAH STATE HEAD COACH MANNY MARTINS:
"We started a bit slow, we were a little bit lethargic in the first half. We made some adjustments at halftime, primarily mindset adjustments, then came out and played with a little bit more energy and more confidence. I think we were trying to get rid of the ball too quickly in the first half, then in the second half we decided to play a little bit more and that changed the game. We were a lot more aggressive and had more chances and played more on the front foot. In the end, the difference in the game was two set pieces that they executed well. There were a couple times where we didn't do our assignments and we paid for it. Overall, I like how we finished. I didn't like how we started, but we're a team that is growing and I think this will serve us as we go into the next games and continue to grow."

MATCH NOTES

• Utah State totaled 23 shots to BYU's 12, including a 15-4 advantage in the second half. 

• Each side recorded four shots on goal.

• Ten different USU players recorded shots, led by four-apiece for sophomore midfielder Kaeda Wilson and freshman forward Kunie Hirai. 

• Utah State's 23 shots were the most by the Aggies since taking 26 against Colorado College last season on October 17, 2024. 

• Graduate keeper Taylor Rath played all 90 minutes for Utah State in net, making two saves. 

• Along with Rath, three other Aggies played all 90 minutes - sophomore midfielder Kaeda Wilson and freshman defenders Summer Sofonia and Capriel Winder. 

• Sophomore midfielder Ellie Hendrix made her first start of the season and fourth of her career, playing 39 minutes.  

• With the loss, Utah State falls to 3-15-1 all-time against BYU, including a 3-2-1 record under head coach Manny Martins. 

• With the loss, Utah State is now 13-44-5 all-time against Big 12 opponents and 3-22-3 all-time against ranked opponents. 

UP NEXT
Utah State (1-2-2, 0-0-0 MW) will now return to Logan to host in-state foe Weber State on Thursday, Sept. 11. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., and the match 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.

-USU-