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Aggies blank Falcons, snap losing streak

Utah State soccer bounced back from a two game losing streak to beat Air Force 2-0 at home on Friday.

“It was good to bounce back,” said USU head coach Heather Cairns. “There was a lapse here and there, but other than that I thought we were pretty solid.”

Jessica Brooksby had two early chances in the game, sending one shot just over the crossbar, and missed another shot just wide after a deflected shot to the top of the box. The Aggies would capitalize on a chance in the 28th minute, where Junior Midfielder Katie Flynn sent a cross into the box and found Junior Midfielder Jayne Robison who would put the Aggies up 1-0 in the first half.

“This win was huge for us if we want to go to the tournament we gotta keep winning games,” Brooksby said. “I think being able to come out today and get a win definitely helped give us momentum going forward.”

Utah State got a scare near the end of the first half, when Air Force sent a cross into the box, and put a header off of the crossbar. Senior Goalkeeper Jeannie Woller got the rebound to keep the Aggies on top.

Utah State found the back of the net again in the 68th minute, courtesy of Brooksby. Brooksby dribbled through multiple defenders and finished the play with a left-footed strike to the top left corner of the net to put the Aggies up 2-0.

“I had a girl on my shoulder, I was able to get around her” Brooksby said. “There was another girl, i had to take a touch around her. I had it on my left foot and took a shot far post and it felt good when it went in”.

Jeannie Woller had another great day in goal, recording her third shutout of the year. Air Force sent in a shot from the outside of the box in the 56th minute, but it was denied by a diving save from Woller. Woller had another incredible diving save in the 75th minute to keep the shutout in tact. She finished the day with a seven-save shutout that helped break the Aggies two game losing skid.

“It all comes from having confidence,” Woller said. “This is my senior year, and I’m really leaving it all on the field this year. These girls drive me and I drive them, it’s just that give-and-take mentality on this team.”

Cairns had high praises for Woller after her shutout performance Friday.

“Jeannie was a difference maker for us today,” Cairns said. “She came up with some game changing saves for us today. She was under a lot of pressure the second half and she didn’t freak out, she kept her cool and lead us to that victory.”

Utah State returns to action Sunday at 1 where they will face Colorado College at home, and hope to improve on their 3-4-0 Mountain West record.

– joebaraiolo@gmail.com

Twitter: @joefish_2