Soccer keeps winning, stomps ISU
The Utah State soccer team left Chuck and Gloria Bell Field undefeated, Sunday afternoon. For the first time since 2007, the Aggies defeated the Idaho State Bengals (3-4-0) as they improve to 8-0 on the season, after the 6-nil victory.
The Aggies’ six goals on the day is something that has only happened five other times in school history.
USU had a strong start, scoring its first two goals in the first seven minutes of the game. Those two scores came within five minutes of each other.
Utah State defender Natalie Norris came out to score her first two goals of the season. Norris scored her first goal at the 4th minute, with a header coming from a corner kick sent in by midfielder Kendra Pemberton.
“I’ve been waiting to make these goals all year, and I finally got it after one of Kendra’s beautiful punches,” Natalie Norris said.
Norris scored the Aggies’ second goal of the day, three minutes later, from eight yards out.
“We knew Idaho State would be a tough game for us, and we came out and sent a message today, ” Norris said.
Aggie forward Shantel Flannary unloaded her first career hat-trick, after going without a goal for three consecutive games. She picked up her first goal at the 17th minute due to a Bengal defensive mistake. Midfielder Lexie Morgan set up Jennifer Flynn who found Flannary.
Flannary’s second goal came one minute later. The senior stole the ball from an ISU defender and scored, unassisted, from 18 yards out.
“We’re all just a really close, tight-knit team and that definitely comes out on the field to make us play strongly together,” Flannary said.
During the first half, the Aggies came out and played tough defense, not allowing any goals. USU goalkeeper Molli Merrill came up with two saves in the first half to help the effort.
The Aggies lead at half time, 4-0.
The second half started off choppy, once the Bengals made their first goal within the first minute of the second half. The Aggies were able to collect themselves once again to come back for a strong finish.
ISU scored it’s only goal in the 46th minute. Rachel Strawn found Kiley Godfrey, who found the back of the net, to narrow the deficit to three goals.
Flannary accomplished the hat-trick — and her eighth goal of the season — via a penalty kick in the 56th minute. Flynn scored her third goal of the season in the 74th minute, on a great through ball from Jade Tarver.
Next week the Aggies head to Tulsa, Okla., to take on Oklahoma State. The Cowboys are ranked number four in the nation.
“It definitely gives us momentum after this win to go on the road to play Oklahoma state, though we have the confidence, and it will be a good test for us. We are up for the challenge,” USU women’s soccer coach Heather Cairns said.
– macael.ivie@aggiemail.usu.edu