Courtesy of Utah State Athletics
PROVO, Utah – No. 19 Utah State soccer (5-0, 0-0 MW) earned a top-25 to remain perfect on the year Saturday night, taking down No. 16 BYU at South Field in Provo. This is the third win over a ranked opponent in program history, and USU’s third win over BYU in the past four years.
It didn’t take long for the Aggies to get on the board, striking first with a right-footed laser from senior forward Bizzy Arevalo in the seventh minute, after a throw-in led to a well-placed pass from junior forward Tess Werts. The lead didn’t last for long, however, as the Cougars countered in the 10th minute on a free kick from just outside of the box into the top right corner of the net. This was the first goal USU has allowed all season.
USU out-shot BYU 7-3 in the first half, but didn’t retake the lead until the 57th minute. Senior midfielder Kaitlyn Richins sent a perfectly-placed ball nearly the length of the field to the feet of junior midfielder Kaylie Chambers, who crossed to Werts for the game winner.
SCORING SUMMARY
6:36 – Bizzy Arevalo (USU)
Assist: Tess Werts
9:37 – Mackenzee Vance (BYU)
Assist: None
56:08 – Tess Werts (USU)
Assist: Kaylie Chambers
MATCH NOTES
- Utah State improves to 5-0 for the second time in program history. The previous occasion was in 2011, when the team opened the year 8-0.
- Bizzy Arevalo’s goal was her second of the season and the fifth of her career.
- Tess Werts’ goal was her fourth of the season and the eighth of her career.
- Each side finished the match with 13 shots, though USU had eight shots on frame to BYU’s two.
- Arevalo had a team-best five shots while Werts had four. Both finished with three shots on goal.
- Sophomore Shay Kercher-Pratt played all 90 minutes in goal, making one save.
- This is the third win over a ranked opponent in program history, all three of which have come against BYU under head coach Manny Martins (2023 vs No. 1 BYU, 2021 at No. 18 BYU).
- This is also the third win against BYU in program history, as USU improves to 3-14-1 in the series. All four non-losses have been under Martins.
- With the win, Utah State is 3-0 against Big 12 opponents this year. This is the first time in program history USU has beaten three power conference opponents in the same year.
- With the win, Utah State improves to 12-43-1 all-time against current Big 12 schools. Five of those wins have come under Martins.
- Utah State has out-scored its opponents by a combined 13-1 this season.
UP NEXT
Utah State (5-0, 0-0 MW) will conclude its three-game road trip against in-state foes next week when it travels to Orem, Utah, to take on Utah Valley on Thursday, Sept. 5. The match will kick off at 7 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.
TICKETS
Fans can purchase season tickets now here. Adult season tickets are available for $45, while youth can gain access to all games by joining the Junior Aggie Kids Club for $25. All seating at Chuck and Gloria Bell Field is general admission. Seating in the stadium bleachers is first come, first served. Fans are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for grass and berm seating.
FOLLOW
Fans can follow the Aggie soccer program on Twitter, @USUSoccer, on Facebook at /USUSoccer and 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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