LOGAN, Utah — No. 17 Utah State soccer (10-2-2, 3-0-0 Pac-12) remained perfect in Pac-12 play, picking up its third-straight win and extending its unbeaten streak to seven Thursday afternoon at Chuck & Gloria Bell Field, defeating Washington State 2-0.
Washington State entered the day as one of just three remaining unbeaten Pac-12 teams (along with Utah State and Boise State). The Cougars were limited to just four total shots with two shots on goal as the Aggies held firm control of the contest throughout.
Utah State was able to take an early advantage in the game when sophomore forward Kunie Hirai was tripped up by an illegal tackle in the box in the 15th minute, setting up for a penalty kick opportunity. Hirai then stepped up to the spot for the PK and calmly delivered a shot right as the keeper dove left to make it a 1-0 Aggie lead. This was Hirai's third goal of the season.
While the Aggies continued to control the pace and create scoring opportunities, the score remained 1-0 until the 72nd minute. A breakaway opportunity which started with a takeaway by senior forward Kate Christian then turned into a second goal when senior forward Solena Sellers found junior forward Mia Mullenmeister through traffic to set up a one-on-one chance against the keeper. Mullenmeister gathered quickly, then put a left-footed ball into the back of the net for her fourth goal of the campaign, tying the team lead.
It wasn't until the 78th minute when the Cougars registered their first shot on goal of the contest against the smothering Aggie defense. This was USU's eighth shutout of the season.
In total, the Aggies outshot Washington State 17-4, with a 7-2 advantage in shots on frame. Hirai and sophomore midfielder Mia Lopez led the team with three shots apiece.
Sophomore goalkeeper Ivy Nystrom played all 90 minutes in net for USU, as she posted her seventh clean sheet of the season. She made two saves on the day.
SCORING SUMMARY
14:04 - Kunie Hirai (USU)
Penalty Kick Goal
71:10 - Mia Mullenmeister (USU)
Assists: Solena Sellers, Kate Christian
UP NEXT
Utah State (10-2-2, 3-0-0 Pac-12) will hit the road this weekend as it travels to Boise, Idaho, to face Boise State on Sunday, Oct. 11, at 1 p.m. The match will be streamed free on YouTube.
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.
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