USU soccer topped by No. 6 BYU 3-1 (with photo gallery)

LOGAN, Utah – In its single match of the week, Utah State soccer fell to in-state rival No. 6 BYU at home Saturday afternoon.

On the day, BYU out-shot the Aggies, 12-8, including an 8-4 on-goal advantage. Redshirt sophomore Grace McGuire played the full match in the net, tallying five saves. Senior forward Jessica Brooksby scored the Aggies’ sole goal Saturday, her third of the year. Additionally, this was just the third goal Utah State has ever scored against BYU in 13 meetings.

Utah State falls to 4-4-0 on the year, concluding the non-conference portion of its season. BYU improves to 7-1-0 overall.

The offense picked up early for both teams Saturday, as the first set of goals came in the ninth minute of play. BYU was first on the board, as team and national leader Ashley Hatch dribbled through the box and found the back of the net on a shot from the corner. That lead didn’t last long though, as the Aggies took advantage of the first play from the kick-off, scoring just 15 seconds later. Junior forward Bailee Hammond crossed the ball over the box, where Brooksby got a touch on it to score.

The Cougars got back on top, scoring in the 24th minute. Michele Vasconcelos turned after receiving a pass in the box, giving BYU the 2-1 lead at halftime.

BYU continued to gain more momentum through the second half, keeping pressure on the Aggie defense and maintaining possession in its attacking third. The Cougars’ lead was extended in the 52nd minute as Nadia Gomes combined with Vasconcelos for the third goal of the day.

Utah State made some great defensive plays in the final minutes to push play to its own attacking third, but the offense was unable to capitalize on the opportunities.

Utah State’s homestand continues next week, as the Aggies open Mountain West competition. USU will host Colorado State on Friday, Sept. 23, at 4 p.m., followed by Wyoming on Sunday, Sept. 25, at 1 p.m.

Fans can follow the Aggie soccer program on Twitter, @USUSoccer, on Facebook at /USUSoccer or on Instagram, @USUSoccer. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on Twitter, @USUAthletics, Facebook at /USUAthletics and on Instagram, @USUAthletics.

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Posted in USU