Aggies top South Dakota State to remain undefeated at home

Utah State Soccer defeated the South Dakota State Jackrabbits 3-0, keeping the Aggies undefeated at home so far this season. The win was also the team’s fourth shutout at home at home this season, allowing only three goals by opponents at Chuck and Gloria Bell Field so far this season.

The Jackrabbits came into Logan with a 4-1-1 record, outscoring their opponents 28-3 so far this season. The Jackrabbits also entered the game with the most assists by any team in the nation, as well as the third most goals scored.

To open the game, the first 30 minutes were a back-and-forth match with neither team able to get much momentum. The pace began to shift after a long goal by junior Kaeda Wilson, assisted by Austin Miller and Capriel Winder. Following the goal, the Aggies took control of the game, setting the pace for the rest of the afternoon.

“After [Wilson] scored that goal, I feel like everybody just brought the energy up,” senior forward Solena Sellers said. “That was awesome to see it on the field from everyone after she scored that goal.”

Despite the Aggies taking the lead into the half, SDSU’s goalie Mallory Benhart kept the Jackrabbits in the game with six saves in the first half to keep the Aggies from extending their lead.

Entering the second half, the Aggies continued to apply pressure on the Jackrabbits. Five minutes into the half, the Aggies scored again, with Sellers scoring on a breakaway. Senior Kasie Vigil set up the goal with a pass from deep on the Aggies’ side of the field, allowing Sellers to have a one-on-one matchup to score.

The pressure didn’t stop after the goal, as the Aggies had eleven more shots on goal in the second half. The Aggies extended the score again after junior Kei Yoneda scored on a penalty kick following an SDSU handball. The Aggies continued to control the field through the end of the game.

“I thought the team actually did a really good job. We showed out today, controlled the game from the beginning. This was a good team. They were organized. They made it difficult for us to get goals,” head coach Manny Martins said. “Eventually we were able to break through with a great goal from Cada, and then obviously it was nice to get a couple of insurance goals in the second half.”

The Aggies allowed only five shots on goal during the entire game, limiting scoring opportunities for the Jackrabbits.

“Really happy with the performance of our backline, but it was truly a collective effort. Ivy [Nystrom] had a couple of saves, but nothing really that she had to work too hard for. I thought the team just did a really good job of staying organized and executing,” Martins said. “We want to be one of the best pressing teams in the nation, and I think we’re really good at it. Today we did a good job of keeping our opponent from creating chances.”

With Wilson’s goal today, twelve different Aggies have scored goals so far this year, and thirteen different players have assists on the season.

“The depth on this team is unreal, and I mean at practices you can see it. Everyone’s just working so hard,” Sellers said. “Everyone has a ton of confidence. Everyone pushes each other, and the depth on the team is so huge for us.”

Next up, the Aggies will take the short trip to Pocatello, Idaho, on Thursday to take on Idaho State before St. Mary’s will come to Bell Field for their final non-conference game next Sunday.