LOGAN, Utah – The Washington State soccer team lost to No. 17 Utah State, 2-0, Thursday afternoon at Chuck & Gloria Bell Field in Logan, Utah. The Cougars suffered their first loss in over a month and their first loss of Pac-12 play, falling to 2-1 in conference.
The Aggies, who have not lost in Logan in three seasons, went ahead in 15th minute from the penalty spot. USU’s Kunie Harai delivered for the home side, despite WSU goalkeeper Ashlyn Dvorak diving the correct direction on the PK. The Cougars held Utah State to just two additional shots on target in the first half, both saved by Dvorak.
In WSU’s offensive third, the Cougars looked to use freshman Delaney Hawkins speed in the channels. The reigning Pac-12 Newcomer of the Week was limited to two shots but managed to put both attempts on frame. Wazzu held just 41 percent of possession against the nationally-ranked hosts. The Cougs had two corner kicks and limited the Aggies to a single set piece from the corner flag.
“The goal of this trip was simple: to learn how far off of the No. 17 team we are,” WSU Head Coach Chris Citowicki said after the match. “Can we defend? Can we create? Can we possess? I couldn’t be happier with what we saw from a defensive standpoint. We’re a work-in-progress this year and I love the fight we keep putting up day-to-day. Excited to get back to Pullman and prep for next week.”
Washington State’s defense held strong in the second half with four Utah State shots on goal and three saves for Dvorak. The USU insurance goal came in the 72nd minute on a quick counterattack. With WSU’s numbers pushed forward, the Aggies played quickly out of the back, taking advantage of a thinner Wazzu backline and switching the field with a through ball across the midfield for a calm finish by Mia Mullenmeister.
The Cougars return to Pullman for a 10-day respite before traveling north to face Gonzaga, Saturday, October 17 at Luger Field in Spokane, Washington. WSU and GU are slated to kick off at 6 p.m. with streaming coverage on the Pac-12 YouTube channel.