LOGAN, Utah — Utah State soccer (5-2-1, 0-0-0 Pac-12) picked up its second-highest ranked win and its most dominant victory over a ranked team in program history Thursday night at Chuck & Gloria Bell Field, earning a landslide 4-0 win over No. 13 BYU.
In front of a sold-out record crowd of 3,181 fans at Bell Field, Utah State dominated the contest from start to finish, out-shooting the Cougars 22-9 while limiting them to just two shots on frame. With the win, the Aggies are now 4-2-2 against BYU during the Manny Martins era (since 2021).
It didn't take long for USU to take control, as a 10th minute goal from sophomore defender Summer Sofonia put the Aggies ahead. A short corner taken by senior midfielder Summer Diamond to freshman defender Lila Emmetsberger led to a perfect ball into the box which found the head of Sofonia then directly into the back of the net. This was Sofonia's first career goal.
While the Cougars kept Utah State off the scoreboard for the remainder of the half, USU posted a 10-2 shots advantage in the first 45 minutes. The Aggies then came out of the locker room hot, tacking on another goal just three minutes into the second half. After a midfield takeaway by junior midfielder Rachel Reitz, Diamond got downhill for a two-on-two breakaway. At the top of the 18-yard box, she then chipped a left-footer past the Cougar keeper to make it 2-0.
In the 68th minute, the Aggies once again turned defense into offense. This time it was a takeaway just inside of the BYU box by junior midfielder Austin Miller which instantly led to a goal for senior forward Samantha Sellers, who connected from 15 yards out.
The Aggies weren't done, however. In the 88th minute it was sophomore defender Victoria Espinoza netting the first goal of her career on yet another corner kick goal for USU. Sophomore midfielder Mia Lopez played the corner short to sophomore defender Capriel Winder, who found Espinoza on the far post to chip it past the diving reach of the keeper and extend the Utah State lead.
In total, the Aggies recorded 22 shots with six on goal, while 14 different USU players tallied shots. Sophomore goalkeeper Ivy Nystrom earned the shutout in net for Utah State, making two saves while playing all 90 minutes.
With the win, the Aggies complete their sweep of in-state foes, going 4-0 against Beehive State opponents for the second time in the past three seasons after previously having earned 1-0 wins at Utah and Utah Valley and an 8-1 win over Utah Tech.
SCORING SUMMARY
9:16 - Summer Sofonia (USU)
Assists: Lila Emmetsberger, Summer Diamond
47:51 - Summer Diamond (USU)
Assist: Rachel Reitz
67:07 - Solena Sellers (USU)
Assist: Austin Miller
87:43 - Victoria Espinoza (USU)
Assists: Capriel Winder, Mia Lopez
UP NEXT
Utah State (5-2-1, 0-0-0 Pac-12) will remain at Chuck & Gloria Bell Field this weekend as it hosts South Dakota State on Sunday, Sept. 13. The match will begin at 1 p.m., and will be streamed free on the Pac-12 YouTube channel.
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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