CORVALLIS, Ore. — No. 25 Utah State soccer (12-3-3, 5-1-1 Pac-12) picked up three important points on the road in its final road match of the regular season Friday night at Paul Lorenz Field in Corvallis, defeating Oregon State 5-0. 

With the win, the Aggies have secured their spot in the Pac-12 Championship, which they will host at Chuck & Gloria Bell Field Sept. 11-14. Additionally, Utah State can now secure at least a share of the Pac-12 regular season title with a win against San Diego State in its regular-season finale next Thursday in Logan. 

After coming out of the past two matches with a draw and a loss, the Aggies bounced back in a big way, earning their second-most dominant road win in program history (only behind their 6-0 win at Idaho State earlier this season). USU's five goals were its third-most of the season, and most in a Pac-12 contest. 

It took little time for Utah State to pull ahead, converting a set piece to punch first in the sixth minute. A foul on the hosts set the Aggies up for a free kick 30 yards out, which was played perfectly by junior midfielder Austin Miller to junior midfielder Rachel Reitz. Reitz then flicked a header wide to junior forward Mia Mullenmeister, who delivered a header into the back of the net for her fifth goal of the year. 

In the 20th minute, it was senior forward Solena Sellers adding to the Aggie lead as she received a pass in the middle of the box from senior midfielder Summer Diamond before using a single touch to beat the keeper, also netting her fifth goal of the season. 

The Aggies extended their lead to 3-0 in the 36th minute, courtesy of sophomore forward Kunie Hirai. A takeaway near midfield by sophomore forward Samantha Sellers then a single touch from sophomore midfielder Mia Lopez set Hirai up on the far wing for a one-on-one opportunity with a defender. Hirai then used strong footwork to create a left-footed laser past the keeper, her fourth of the campaign. 

Hirai wasn't done and neither were the Aggies, as Samantha Sellers and Hirai connected once again in the 72nd minute to give Hirai the first brace of her college career. Sellers played an outstanding chip to Hirai 18 yards out, who then knocked the ball to the turf before sending a left-footer beyond the diving reach of the keeper, just inside the right post to make it 4-0. 

The final strike of the night came in the 76th minute, a laser from the right foot of junior midfielder Kei Yoneda from just outside the penalty area and into the top right corner of the net. This was the fourth goal of the season for Yoneda, while assists were credited to junior forward Ellie Hendrix and sophomore midfielder Hadli Barrera. 

In total, Utah State had nine assists on its five goals, a new program single-game record. Eight different players recorded an assist, with Samantha Sellers registering two.

The Aggies outshot the Beavers 23-9, including a 13-2 advantage in shots on goal. 12 different USU players recorded shots, led by Hirai and Miller with four apiece. Utah State also posted a 5-1 advantage in corners. 

Defensively, USU earned its 11th shutout of the season. Sophomore goalkeeper Ivy Nystrom played all 90 minutes with two saves to pick up her 10th clean sheet of the year, tied for third-most by any keeper in program history. 

SCORING SUMMARY

5:09 - Mia Mullenmeister (USU)

      Assists: Rachel Reitz, Austin Miller 

19:36 - Solena Sellers (USU)

      Assists: Summer Diamond, Talia Winder

35:16 - Kunie Hirai (USU)

      Assists: Samtha Sellers, Mia Lopez

71:39 - Kunie Hirai (USU)

      Assist: Samantha Sellers

75:44 - Kei Yoneda (USU)

      Assists: Ellie Hendrix, Hadli Barrera

UP NEXT
Utah State (12-3-3, 5-1-1 Pac-12) will wrap up the regular season next week with a Pac-12 contest at Chuck & Gloria Bell Field against San Diego State on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m. 

TICKETS
Fans can purchase single game tickets for remaining home games here. 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-