Men’s soccer falls 3-1 to BYU in home opener
Alex Jessop scored the first home goal for the Utah State men’s soccer team in a loss to BYU, 3-1.
Jessop’s goal came in the 19th minute, after two BYU goals had already been scored. The Cougars started off the scoring in the with a header in the seventh minute, and followed that up with a goal on a penalty kick in the 16th minute.
The penalty drew a lot criticism from Aggie players and fans. Jessop was called for the penalty but didn’t feel like he touched anyone.
“The kid kicked the ball out then dragged his feet and fell over,” Jessop said. “Ref blew the whistle very late.”
Holley Stringham USU Men’s Soccer vs. BYU, in the first home game of the season. BYU wins 3-1 on September 21, 2018.
Jessop would score just three minutes later in the nineteenth minute.
“It felt so good,” Jessop said. “I’m really glad it came against BYU.”
Despite the Aggie goal, BYU continued to put the pressure on Utah State, finishing the first half with 11 shots on goal to just 4 from the Aggies.
Just before halftime, Utah State midfielder Logan Day drew a yellow card for shoving a BYU player to the ground.
“A lot of intensity in the game. I got bumped and lost my temper,” Day said. “I started walked away and he wouldn’t move, and I wanted to let him know he can’t do that.”
BYU defender Mitchell Scott was adamant that the push from Day should draw a red card. Scott shouted that Day deserved a red card to the official multiple times before Day received the yellow card.
Holley Stringham USU Men’s Soccer vs. BYU, in the first home game of the season. BYU wins 3-1 on September 21, 2018.
BYU slowed the pace in the second half, but still managed to out-shoot USU 7-1. The Aggies first shot on goal of the half came in the 50th minute, but was off the mark. The Cougars scored their third goal shortly after, in the 61st minute.
The Aggies final scoring attempt was in the 85th minute, but they were unable to capitalize on a perfect cross. USU would finish the game with a total of five shots on goal to BYU’s 18.
Utah State is now 1-1 on the season after the loss to BYU. They will play Southern Utah at home next Friday at 8 p.m. and Boise St. next Saturday at 6 p.m. on the Legacy Fields.
Twitter: @ajlars13