USU Soccer: Manny Martins’ coaching debut ends in a scoreless draw.
Pocatello — The Utah State Women’s soccer team opened up the 2021 season on the road against Idaho State University on Thursday night. After 110 minutes of scoreless action, the game ended in a 0-0 draw.
“I thought the girls deserved a result out of this match, sometimes it doesn’t go that way,” said new head coach Manny Martins in a phone interview post game. “But we are finding our identity. We can play in different styles, the first half was more direct and more athletic, the second half we changed and we were a bit more methodical.”
Utah State controlled the ball for nearly 70 percent of the match. They managed to get 23 shots off, with eight of them on target. They had plenty of chances, including a 99th minute goal by senior forward Jordan Foraker that got called back due to offsides, and a near free-kick goal by senior midfielder Ashley Cardozo. But the Aggies left Pocatello empty handed.
99' – Jordan Foraker's goal called back after the referees rule that Sara Taylor ran past the endline before the pass. #AggiesAllTheWay #RunWithUs
USU – 0
ISU – 0— USU Soccer (@USUsoccer) August 20, 2021
“There were some moments I thought were magical,” said Martins. “We created a couple chances and got some in the back of the net and it got called back. I don’t have the same point of view as the ref to make the decision, but we will study film to get into it after.”
The defensive effort from the Aggies was commendable. Junior keeper Diera Walton finished the match with an impressive six save effort. A stout Aggie defense kept Idaho State from getting a shot until the 49th minute of the game. The Bengals would finish with 14 shots.
Overall, Martins was happy with the team’s effort.
“The energy that they showed in double OT, the chances they created, to me that was mid-season form,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting to see this kind of spirit for 110 minutes, I knew it was there but didn’t expect to sustain it for 110 minutes. I’m not satisfied but I’m pleased.”
Utah State opens the season predicted to finish No.7 in the preseason coaches poll for the Mountain West, which was announced last week.
“We certainly have loftier goals then seventh, with that said, a preseason poll is just that, as I’ve never seen one that matched the final standing,” said Martins. “For now, our focus is establishing our playing identity and getting better each day. The polls and standings will be a direct reflection of the work we are doing.”
Martins, who was hired in May as head coach, felt good in his first game and is excited to coach the group this season.
“It feels amazing, it’s amazing because I inherited a fantastic group of players and individuals. Happy to be back at USU (on Saturday) and get our fans back and experience that (crowd) first hand.”
The Aggies host Northern Arizona on Saturday at 2 P.M., hoping to pick up their first win of the year.