USU Soccer: Aggies survive dramatic weekend, remain undefeated
Last weekend wasn’t short of drama for Utah State Women’s Soccer.
Friday’s home game against Utah Valley and Sunday’s home game against Marquette were both tied going into the second period of extra time. But the Aggies managed to score game-winning golden goals in both games, to improve to 5-0-1 on the season.
“We’ve played a number of games now so teams are able to scout us and prepare so it’s to be expected that the games are going to get harder,” said Head Coach Manny Martins following Sunday’s win. “The great thing is we’re pulling through. We’re staying to our plan and goals are dropping even if they’re dropping late. So, so far so good.”
Let’s take a glance at how it all went down.
Utah Valley win
The win over Utah Valley was particularly impressive. The Wolverines boasted a roster that won an NCAA tournament game over Memphis in the spring, and were favored to beat the Aggies.
But USU came out the aggressors on Friday, and a 13th minute goal from junior forward Sara Taylor gave them the lead. UVU would balance the score late in the first half. After a second half full of near-goals from both sides, the game went to extra time knotted 1-1.
At the 109th minute — one minute before the game would be declared a tie — senior midfielder Ashley Cardozo launched a goal from 17 yards out to win it for the Aggies.
ASHLEY CARDOZOOOOOOOO!!!!@_ashleycardozo_#RunWithUs pic.twitter.com/VgEsVyB5tV
— USU Soccer (@USUsoccer) September 4, 2021
After the game, Martins recognized the magnitude of the victory.
“There wasn’t anyone outside of our circle that thought we could win this game today,” he said. “Look, every win is massive because we can only play one game at a time… but I think that if anything (this win) just gives us a little bit of credibility.”
Marquette Win
The Aggies came out lethargic on Sunday afternoon, and failed to score a first half goal for the first time since the season opener at Idaho State.
“At halftime one of the things we addressed is we didn’t think the energy level was where it needed to be,” Martins said. “I mean I was up late watching the football game, I imagine some of them were.”
In the second half, things improved. Sara Taylor scored a goal in the 58th minute to give the Aggies a 1-0 lead. Her goals in back to back games helped her earn the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week award.
Following Taylor’s goal, it looked like the Aggies looked to hold on for the regulation win. Then the defense made a mistake. A pass back to junior goalie Diera Walton was intercepted by Marquette’s Elsi Twombly, who put the ball in the net to even the score in the 83th minute.
“That was an error,” Martins admitted. “It was a bit of a breakdown in communication. Things happen. Obviously we want to minimize those but it’s a simple fix.”
In extra time, USU dominated possession, and it seemed only a matter of time before they found the game winner. It came in the 105th minute. Cardozo passed it to senior forward Sammie Murdock, who slipped behind the defense line and punched it in for the 2-1 win.
So NICE you want to see it TWICE!
⚽️ @sammie_murdock#RunWithUs pic.twitter.com/VMeuXJQn2v
— USU Soccer (@USUsoccer) September 6, 2021
The Aggies finished the game out shooting the Golden Eagles 17 to 9, and 7 to 3 on on goal shots.
“One thing I told the girls is that championships are won on Sunday’s on a quick turnaround,” Martins said. “When it comes down to playing on a Sunday it’s not always about tactics. It’s about who’s more passionate about it, who’s willing to be on the front foot and go through the limits, push the threshold. And I think we showed that.”
Ashley Cardozo Makes History
Friday’s goal was a defining moment to what has already been an impressive season for Cardozo. It was her 11th game-winner in an Aggie uniform, putting her in a first-place tie with Lauren Hansen for the most game-winners in school history.
Cardozo, who has two goals and four assists so far this season, is arguably the most impactful player on the Aggie roster. Her speed and flashy footwork immediately stands out — making her dangerous in the open field. She initiates many of the USU offensive opportunities.
“You know, over the years I’ve worked with a lot of players, a lot of national team players, players who have won a World Cup. She’s special,” Martins said. “I’ve worked with a lot of players, not many are special. She’s special. I’ll just put it that way.”
Keep an eye out for Cardozo and the Aggies, as they look to stay undefeated in non conference play.