LOGAN, Utah — No. 19 Utah State soccer (8-2-2, 1-0-0 Pac-12) rang in the Pac-12 era by capturing three points and a top 25 victory in its inaugural contest as a member of the league, defeating No. 22 Texas State 2-1 Thursday evening at Chuck & Gloria Bell Field in Logan.
In what was the first ranked-versus-ranked matchup in the history of Bell Field, the Aggies dominated possession from start to finish, posting a 33-4 advantage in shots against their new league mates. USU also limited Texas State to just two shots on frame on the night while dealing the Bobcats just their second loss of the season.
This was the fifth victory over a nationally ranked team in program history, and the second this season (4-0 over No. 13 BYU on Sept. 10).
The Aggies pounced right from the start, firing off five shots in the first six minutes of action. With their ninth shot of the game in the 23rd minute, they broke through when a pass from sophomore forward Kunie Hirai shortly following a USU throw-in led to a left-footed strike into the bottom right corner of the net for sophomore forward Samantha Sellers. This was the fourth goal of the season for Sellers, tying the team lead.
In the 35th minute, a foul in the box on Texas State, which was upheld following a VAR review, led to an opportunity from the penalty spot. Junior midfielder Kei Yoneda was selected to take the PK, and though the Bobcat keeper dove the right way, Yoneda's shot went beyond her reach and into the back of the net. This was Yoneda's third goal of the contest.
In the first half, USU out-shot Texas State 15-0. It wasn't until the 54th minute that the Bobcats got their first shot of the game, slipping past the Aggie back line for a quick strike in transition to get on the board.
Utah State's 33 shots were the most in a game this year, and the fifth-most in program history. 13 of the 18 Aggies who saw the field recorded at least a single shot, led by five-apiece from Hirai, Sellers and junior forward Ellie Hendrix.
Along with Utah State's dominance in the shot column, the Aggies also generated a season-best 13 corner kicks while limiting their visitors to just one.
Sophomore keeper Ivy Nystrom played all 90 minutes in net for Utah State, recording one save in the win.
SCORING SUMMARY
22:46 - Samantha Sellers (USU)
Assist: Kunie Hirai
34:27 - Kei Yoneda (USU)
Penalty Kick Goal
53:28 - Constance Agyemang (TxSt)
Assist: Matsuri Tsutsui
UP NEXT
Utah State (8-2-2, 0-0-0 Pac-12) will hit the road this weekend to continue Pac-12 play as it heads to Fort Collins, Colorado, to face Colorado State on Sunday, Oct. 4, at noon. The match will be broadcast free on the Pac-12 YouTube page.
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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