FORT COLLINS, Colo. — No. 19 Utah State soccer (9-2-2, 2-0-0 Pac-12) picked up three points on the road with a 3-0 win in its first road test of Pac-12 Conference play Sunday afternoon, defeating Colorado State at CSU Soccer Field in Fort Collins.
The Aggies used a big second half to secure the victory, with all three goals coming in the final 45 minutes including a brace from sophomore forward Hadli Barrera.
While USU didn't get on the board until the second half, USU controlled the first stanza as well as it out-shot the Rams 11-2, registering seven shots on goal in the half while holding Colorado State to none.
The Aggies were able to finally break through on the scoresheet in the 60th minute when a well-placed ball into the box found the head of junior defender Kaeda Wilson. Wilson then knocked it down to senior forward Solena Sellers, who delivered a right-footed strike past the diving reach of the Rams' keeper and into the back of the net. This was the third goal of the year for Sellers, and the third assist for Wilson.
In the 72nd minute, USU doubled its lead on a set piece opportunity. A kick taken from near the touchline 30 yards out was knocked down by Wilson to Barrera, who then used a single touch to bury the shot and make it a 2-0 Aggie advantage.
It then took just eight minutes for Barrera to turn her first goal of the season into her first brace of the season, as she struck again in the 80th minute. This time, it was a single-touch shot from the top of the 18-yard box following a pass through traffic from senior forward Kate Christian.
While earning its seventh shutout of the season, Utah State limited Colorado State to six shots, with just two on goal, their fewest in any game this season. Sophomore goalkeeper Ivy Nystrom played all 90 minutes in net for the Aggies, registering two saves in the clean sheet.
USU finished the contest with 20 shots, including 12 on goal. Sophomore forward Samantha Sellers led the way with five shots, two on frame.
SCORING SUMMARY
59:16 - Solena Sellers (USU)
Assist: Kaeda Wilson
71:52 - Hadli Barrera (USU)
Assist: Kaeda Wilson
79:36 - Hadli Barrera (USU)
Assist: Kate Christian
UP NEXT
Utah State (9-2-2, 2-0-0 Pac-12) will return home for a mid-week matchup against Washington State on Thursday, Oct. 8. The match will kick off at 3 p.m., at Chuck & Gloria Bell Field, and will be broadcast free on YouTube.
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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