Ags shine in home opener
A goal by Shantel Flanary in the second half led the Utah State women’s soccer team to a victory Sunday afternoon as the Aggies defeated Seattle University at Bell Field, 2-1.
After a scoreless first half, defender Lindsey Smart scored the first goal on a penalty kick with 20 minutes remaining. Flanary then scored with five minutes remaining on an assist from goalie Ali Griffin, putting the Aggies ahead 2-0.
Flanary said she and Griffin had joked about Griffin punting the ball and getting an assist. USU fans screamed as the joke became the winning goal for the Aggies. Griffin played the entire 90 minutes, and had four saves while allowing one goal.
A goal by Seattle’s Jamie Coe late in the second half brought the score to 2-1, but the Redhawks were unable to even the score before time ran out. Redhawks goalie Madison Goverde tallied three saves while allowing two goals.
USU had a 14-11 edge in shots, while Seattle had a 6-5 edge in shots on goal.
USU head coach Heather Cairns said while the Aggies had to battle the heat and fatigue, they just had more fight and were able to challenge the Redhawks defensively. Cairns spoke highly of Flanary, saying she has come a long way since the first game.
“Today it was like a completely different player,” Cairns said of Flanary.
Smart, two-time WAC co-defensive preseason player of the year, said the Aggies had to fight throughout the entire game.
“The whole game I had to work hard,” Smart said.
She said the team needs to keep up the intensity to continue to succeed this season.
Cairns also noted that Lauren Hansen had a particularly good game. Hansen had six shots, and two shots on goal.
Sunday’s game was the first meeting between USU and Seattle as the Redhawks
transitioned from Division II this season. Seattle won its opener against Weber State, and now have a Division I record of 1-1.
Redhawks defender Jordan Salisbury suffered an injury and was carried off the field 17 minutes into the second half.
Flanary said after losing the season opener on the road to Idaho State, Sunday’s win was “huge.” Her feelings were echoed by her coach and teammates.
“We want to protect our home field,” said Cairns. “We have great fans here.”
-joseph.w@aggiemail.usu.edu