OREM, Utah — Utah State soccer (2-1-1, 0-0-0 Pac-12) earned an in-state road victory Monday night, posting its second-straight shutout win as it held Utah Valley off the board for 90 minutes in a 1-0 win at UCCU Stadium in Orem.
After several strong opportunities in the early going, Utah State broke into the scoring column in the 35th minute when a takeaway by sophomore defender Victoria Espinoza turned into a scoring opportunity. Following a pass back from Espinoza to sophomore forward Samantha Sellers, Sellers delivered a pass from midfield to junior forward Ellie Hendrix 25 yards out. Going one-on-one with a defender, Hendrix then used a small step back to set up for a left-footed rocket just inside of the left post.
The Aggies went on to tally eight shots in the first half, all eight of which were on frame, while limiting UVU to four shots with none on goal.
The hosts found their bearings in the second half, but the Aggie defense remained resilient. The game reached a critical moment in the 74th minute when an Aggie defender was called for a hand ball in the box, resulting in a penalty kick for the Wolverines. Sophomore goalkeeper Ivy Nystrom, in her second career appearance for the Aggies, read the kick perfectly, diving to her left to knock the ball out of danger to save both the PK and the win for USU.
Utah Valley continued to apply pressure through the second half, creating nine shots with five on frame including the PK, but Nystrom and the Aggie defense held strong. Nystrom played all 90 minutes in net, tallying five saves to earn the win.
SCORING SUMMARY
34:53 - Ellie Hendrix (USU)
Assists: Samantha Sellers, Victoria Espinoza
UP NEXT
Utah State (2-1-1, 0-0-0 Pac-12) will remain on the road for another in-state contest this week when it travels to Salt Lake City to take on Utah on Thursday, Aug. 27. 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.
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