Early goal propels No. 11 Aggies over Utah Valley

OREM — One of the best underdog stories of the year opened another chapter in its book.

Utah State women's soccer (6-0-0) reigned victorious in all three of its games against in-state opponents after defeating Utah Valley (2-3-1) in a 3-0 shutout at Clyde Field in Orem.

The Aggies, who came into the game ranked No. 11 in the country, had only let up one goal this season and were outscoring opponents 13-1.

Utah State opened the scoring with a quick goal in the second minute from defensive midfielder Kaitlyn Richins from a free kick on the Aggies' side of the field that chipped over goalkeeper CJ Graham.

"I was going for the back post, but when I kicked it I felt it come off my foot a little bit differently," Richins said, laughing. "I know if I kick that ball (near the goal), my team will be there to finish it if I don't."

It even surprised her head coach.

"I was not expecting it," head coach Manny Martins said, "but I am not surprised. She can hit a ball. Maybe the sun was in the eyes (of the keeper), but you miss 100% of the shots you don't take right?"

Utah Valley nearly evened the scoring at the 19-minute mark when Faith Webber fired a shot just past the post, drawing "oooh's" from the home crowd at Clyde Field.

The game was stalled until Aggies forward Kate Christian — who was put on scholarship following her game-winning goal in the Mountain West championship — made an impressive move to open up just enough space to fire a right-footed shot to take a 2-0 lead.

Three minutes later in the 42nd minute, Austin Miller rebounded a deflected ball and found nylon herself, elevating the No. 11 Aggies to a 3-0 lead at halftime.

"We had a couple chances at the end, so we never stopped trying. We are still looking to get better, " Martins said. "It is a great show by our team, and it's a sign of our depth. We played so many players, and I am just so proud of them,"

Utah State finished the game with a staggering 22 shots, with 12 coming at the goal.

The Wolverines had its chances to get a goal on the board, but never found the net, resulting in their second shutout of the season. The Wolverines had 13 shots, with six coming on target.

Utah State has played five of its six games this season on the road — the lone home game coming in a 2-0 victory over Texas Tech.

"In order to win the Mountain West championship, you have to win three games over six days, all away from home," Martins said. "This is just an emulation of that, and they want to win it again."

The Aggies finally return home to face Pacific on Sunday before facing its final in-state team, Weber State, the following Sunday. Utah Valley will look to regroup against an in-state foe of their own as they head to Salt Lake to take on the Utes.

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