USU soccer followed an offensive tactic of success, using an early goal with a hardened defense to notch their third straight win. Not only was this another victory, but it was also another shutout. This win came when Utah State faced off against UNLV at Peter Johann Memorial Field in Las Vegas on Thursday evening. This win also matched the Aggies program record they held back in 2011 with a massive 15 wins. Not only that, but it also broke their single-season program record shutout with their 12th time keeping their opponents scoreless. The best they had before was also back in 2011 and 2013 when they recorded 11 shutouts.
USU’s Single Shot And Domination
The Aggies dominated UNLV with a massive 18-2 shooting margin. Not only did they dominate the Rebels with shots on goal, but Utah State also held an enormous advantage of corner kicks 9-1. This is in keeping with USU’s playing style because, in their last four games, they have outshot their opponents 73-16.
The lone goal came in the 22nd minute on a memorable sequence. A back post cross was headed by Tess Werts to the opposite side of the 18-yard box and tracked down by Bizzy Arevalo, who played a sharp one-touch pass to the top of the box to Summer Diamond, whose low one-touch offering tucked just inside the right post. It was Diamond’s fifth goal of the season.
One Goal On 18 Tries
The Aggies had several other clear-cut scoring opportunities throughout the 90 minutes but were a bit off on their final product. Rine Yonaha, Ellie Hendrix, Arevalo, and Werts all pinged shots from the ideal range over the crossbar, plus the UNLV goalkeeper made a memorable diving save to deny Arevalo on a stinging strike from distance in the opening half. Moreover, Hendrix was fouled inside the box late in the first half but was deemed to be offside. Werts had a golden opportunity with a first-touch shot from just outside the 6-yard box in the second minute but pushed it wide.
Aggie Injury and Shut Out
USU held UNLV to zero shots on the frame. Aggie Goalkeeper Cora Brendle was called upon to narrowly stymie the Rebels in the aftermath of a free kick in the 84th minute. The graduate transfer was shaken up a bit but could continue. The visitors played for the final five-plus minutes a player down after Midfielder Alex Day was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
USU was also without standout Center Back Kaitlyn Richins for the final 15 or so minutes as she was banged up. Utah State extended its winning streak against the Rebels to five games. It has limited each of its last four foes to five shots or fewer. This was USU’s third consecutive clean sheet.
What’s Next For Utah State
Up next for USU is a Sunday showdown on the road against Nevada at 2 p.m. The Aggies will close out their regular season next Thursday at home against Mountain West co-leader Boise State (14-2-2, 7-0-2). USU is three points behind BSU and Colorado State (11-3-3, 7-0-2) in the conference standings, while UNLV is still in fourth place. The six-team Mountain West Tournament will occur from Nov. 3-9 in San Diego. USU has qualified for this tourney in each of Manny Martins’ four seasons at the helm.
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