Aggie soccer kicks the Bulldogs
The women’s soccer team earned their second consecutive win in a close game against Gonzaga University (2-2).
Sophomore Charlsie Harris scored the only goal of the match to beat the Bulldogs. The win puts USU at 4-2 on the season. The point was the second of the season for Harris. Her first came last in the last match against Nevada. The goal was a well-placed chip shot over the head of the goalie in the middle of the first half. Harris gives all the credit to the defense.
“[We score] because the midfield and defense get [the ball] to us,” she said.
Six players have scored USU’s nine goals this year. Harris, senior Ally Clegg, and senior Amber Tracy lead the team with two points each.
Coach Heather Cairns is pleased with the scoring distribution.
“We have four forwards that are playing well now,” Cairns said.
The game turned out to be a defensive battle much to the surprise of Cairns.
“They’re a very good team,” Cairns said. “I figured it would be more of a high-scoring match.”
The USU defense played well against Gonzaga’s offensive attack allowing only five shots on goal. Most of those shots were fairly easy for goal keeper Megan Mills to handle.
Gonzaga made a strong push in the final minutes of the match. There were many close calls but the USU defense made it through to the end.
“We made it hard for ourselves,” Cairns said.
Despite the goal by Harris, Gonzaga goal keeper Ashley Haugen played well. Clegg had four good shots on goal in the second half. All were stopped by Haugen.
Haugen notched up seven saves in the match. She led the West Coast conference last season in saves.
“She’s a quality keeper,” Cairns said.
USU faces Utah at 4 p.m. on Tuesday at home. Utah is 4-1 with their only loss coming to Texas A&M. Texas A&M is ranked fifth in the NSCAA/Adidas national poll. The Utes won their match against Weber State last week 3-0. USU beat Weber earlier this season 2-1.
-chrisbarn@cc.usu.edu
Utah State’s Ally Clegg tries to take the ball away from Gonzaga’a Annie Hawkins. The Aggies won the game 1-0, improving their record for the year to 4-2. (Photos by Ryan Talbot)