Soccer club concludes season in Vegas
Coming off one of its biggest wins of the year, the Utah State University men’s club soccer team is looking to improve upon its best season in three years as it takes to the road.
Last Saturday on Tower Field, the Aggies stunned Weber State University in overtime, coming back to win 3-2. It was the first time in three years the Aggies have beat Weber State. The victory moves USU to 7-8-1 on the season.
“Everyone has been on Cloud Nine,” USU goalkeeper Paul Dowdy said. “It was a fulfilling win, it validated everything we’ve worked for this season.”
This Saturday, the Aggies will be in Las Vegas for their final game of the season. They will be playing Long Beach State University for the second time this year, after dropping the first game at Long Beach, 1-0.
Dowdy said the Aggies are looking forward to playing Long Beach and have a lot of confidence coming off their victory against Weber.
“[The victory] brought our spirits up,” Dowdy said. “Everyone is looking forward to our last game.”
Utah State played Long Beach for the first time on Sept. 30 in California during a three-game road swing. Though the Aggies were shut out in the game, they expect to do well in the rematch.
“We still want to beat Long Beach because they shut us out,” Dowdy said. “We knew we were better than that.”
A victory against Long Beach would move the Aggies to .500 on the year, giving them a record of 8-8-1.
Dowdy said, “To go .500 without a coach says a lot about the character of this team.”
The Aggies have had two different coaches the past two years, but this year were without a coach and instead are coached by players.
“In a way, it was ideal,” Dowdy said. “If we failed, it was on us.”
In addition to playing their final game, the Aggies are looking forward to their final trip as a time for some fun and relaxation.
“We’re looking forward to playing and getting out of town where it is warmer,” Dowdy said. “It will be fun and a good way to end the season.”