Aggie soccer looks to close five-game homestand in style
The Utah State University women’s soccer team isn’t looking for anything different in their game plan Friday as they attempt to build on the program’s best ever start.
“We like what we’ve seen so far,” said Head Coach Jen Kennedy Croft. “We want to continue with our consistency.”
The Aggies will knock heads with winless in-state rival Southern Utah University Thunderbirds (0-5) at 4 p.m. on Bell Field, the first regular season meeting between the two.
The Thunderbirds were hammered by the Aggies 7-0 in an exhibition match last season on Tower Field.
USU enters Friday’s game with a big edge in shots per game as it averages 14 shots per game, while SUU averages seven.
This is the Thunderbirds’ second season as a Division I program. Thunderbird Head Coach Brian Stock is also in his second year with SUU after compiling a 2-19 record last season.
When asked about USU’s early season success, Croft was quick to talk about the team’s defensive play and deep bench. Both of these aspects of the game were evident in the Aggies’ 3-0 shutout victory over Eastern Washington University, she said.
“The defense brings confidence to the rest of the team,” she said.
The Aggies’ offense seems to be taking it to heart as USU has doubled its opponents in shots 56-28, as well as shots on goal 32-15.
Along with Friday’s game, Utah State is hosting a three-team round-robin tournament, the third team being the Portland State Pilots.
After facing the Aggies Friday, the Thunderbirds will then go against the Pilots Saturday at 5 p.m. on Bell Field. The Aggies and Pilots will meet Monday at 1 p.m.
SUU nearly had their first win of the season Tuesday as they hosted the Eastern Washington Eagles. The Thunderbirds scored first and held the lead twice before losing in double overtime 3-2.
After the Aggies finish this weekend’s play, they will hit the road until Oct. 4, starting Sept. 20 in Colorado Springs to take on the Air Force Academy, followed by a Sept. 22 match versus the University of Wyoming.
USU will open Big West Conference play Oct. 4 against the Niners of Long Beach State University.
-samhis@cc.usu.edu