LOGAN, Utah — Utah State soccer (1-1-1, 0-0-0 Pac-12) earned its first win of the 2026 campaign Thursday night at Chuck & Gloria Bell Field, using a strong all-round performance in a 2-0 victory over Portland.
Against a Portland squad which ranked 11th in the nation with a 0.63 goals against average last season, and which limited No. 12 Washington to a single goal with just three shots on frame in its 2026 opener last week, the Aggies found the back of the net twice while registering 11 shots, four of which were on goal.
First, it was sophomore forward Kunie Hirai netting her first goal of the season on her 19th birthday to put the Aggies in command in the 5th minute. A perfect ball from 30 yards out from sophomore defender Capriel Winder into the box took just a single touch off the right foot of Hirai before slipping through the hands of the Portland keeper and across the line to make it 1-0.
The Utah State defense dominated the first half, not allowing a single shot from its visitors, the second-straight game it has done so. The Pilots wouldn't register their first attempt until the 54th minute.
USU added to its advantage in the 66th minute with the first goal of the year for sophomore forward Samantha Sellers. Immediately following an Aggie throw in, junior midfielder Kei Yoneda launched a pass from well outside the box to the far post, finding Sellers for another one touch goal by the Aggies.
While the Pilots found some offensive success late, registering five shots in the final 35 minutes, they put just a single shot on frame. Sophomore goalkeeper Ivy Nystrom made both her first collegiate appearance and start for USU, earning the shutout victory while being tasked with just a single save.
SCORING SUMMARY
4:56 - Kunie Hirai (USU)
Assist: Capriel Winder
65:45 - Samantha Sellers (USU)
Assists: Kei Yoneda, Capriel Winder
UP NEXT
Utah State (1-1-1, 0-0-0 Pac-12) will hit the road for a pair of in-state contests next week, beginning on Monday, Aug. 24, when the Aggies travel to Orem, Utah, to take on Utah Valley. The match will begin at 7 p.m., and will be streamed on ESPN+.
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-
