Aggie women rally to win first conference game vs. UNLV
Utah State 2 UNLV 1
Utah State won its first Mountain West game Sunday over UNLV in Las Vegas. The win improves the Aggies’ conference record to 1-1 and their overall record to 5-4-2.
Going into the game the Aggies were on a five-game skid without a win and a four-game scoreless streak. They suffered an early setback in the game when UNLV’s Jenn Wolfe fired a shot into the goal in the first minute of the game.
“Our players stayed resilient and optimistic,” USU head coach Heather Cairns said. “It wasn’t easy, but you don’t get anywhere if you’re not optimistic.”
The Aggies answered in the 36th minute. A corner kick from Jessica Brooksby connected with freshman Jayne Robison’s head and then into the net to tie the game. The goal ended a 570-minute goal drought and was Robison’s first goal of her collegiate career.
“The players believed in the system and believed goals would come,” Coach Cairns said.
After the quick first goal for the Rebels, the Aggie defense locked down. Sophomore goalkeeper Jeannie Woller recorded four saves in the game, and she and the defense were able to keep just enough goals of the board for the victory.
Senior Jennifer Flynn scored the go-ahead goal in the 71st minute. The goal was her second of the season and gave the Aggies their first lead in two weeks. The Aggies would hold on to the lead to earn their first conference win.
“It’s hard to win on the road,” Coach Cairns said. “Our goal was to steal one on the road this weekend, and we did.”
The Aggies continue their Mountain West campaign with their conference home opener Friday against Air force in Logan at 1 p.m. They stay at home to take on the Wyoming Cowgirls Sunday.
Both teams tie Utah State with one conference win.
Nevada 2, Utah State 0
The Utah State women’s soccer team lost in their Mountain West opener to Nevada in Reno on Friday. The Aggies failed to score for the fourth straight match, despite seven shots on goal.
The game was scoreless until the 78th minute when Alyissa deRonde snuck one into the net, breaking the tie. The Wolf Pack would add another goal in the 87th minute.
“The first goal was a breakdown,” Cairns said. “Defenders know they need to be mistake free, and they made a mistake.”
Despite a lack of scoring, the Aggies produced seven shots, four more than the WolfPack. However they couldn’t break through for a goal.
The Aggies have been struggling, not producing a win in four games coming into Reno. They did have reason to be optimistic, however, with their constant attack against the WolfPack.
“We weren’t happy with how we were playing at the end of non-conference,” Coach Cairns said. “We played better soccer tonight, we’re on the right path.”