Soccer: Aggies Use Constant Pressure To Topple Texas Tech

For the third game in a row, Utah State used a fury of offense and an impenetrable defense to upend an opponent. This time, the unlucky victim opposite these Aggies was the Texas Tech Red Raiders – who last year delivered a 3-0 beatdown when hosting Utah State in Lubbock.

“I’m really proud of the team. (We're) three games now with three shutouts and three multiple-goal wins,” said Manny Martins, head coach of the Aggies.

Texas Tech is the reigning Big 12 champion and played in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament last season. The Red Raiders started this year as one of the top 10 teams in the nation, but got off on the wrong foot with a loss to fourth-ranked Penn State, which dropped them from the top 25. But, the Red Raiders were starting to get things back on track with back-to-back wins before their trip to Logan. Utah State was evidently unfazed, dominating the game from start to finish. 

The Aggies took no time setting the pace of play, unleashing their storm-like offense – fast, heavy and relentless – on their guests. Just a game after netting three goals in three minutes on the way to a comfortable win over Hawaii, Utah State proved that the flurry was no fluke. That’s the strategy. 

“My priority is always identity," Martins said. "What you saw (today) is an identity thing. Our identity is, we want to be on our front foot, we want to play fast, we want to press, and we want to be an aggressor. And that's what you saw. Because of that, we created chances early and got an early goal.”

It worked against Pepperdine, it worked against Hawaii, and now it has worked against Texas Tech. In the 14th minute, Kaylie Chambers found Austin Miller with a cross just outside the box. The freshman from Providence, who was starting the first game of her career, fired a shot with her left foot that found its way past TTU keeper Faith Nguyen into the back of the net. The Aggies added to their lead when Tess Werts netted another goal on an assist from Bizzy Arevalo. It was her third goal of the season and seventh of her career.

Miller, who was named the Mountain West Freshman of the Week shortly after her showing on Sunday, credits the offensive success to preparation and teamwork.

“We’re feeling great," Miller said. "Everything at practice is showing on the field. We have really talented players individually, so when we all come together it just mixes great. The chemistry is awesome.”

Thanks to a stout defensive performance, that two-goal lead would cede to a 2-0 win. Goalkeeper Shay Kercher-Pratt earned the second start of her career and made the most of it – Texas Tech had six shots on goal, all of which met their end at the hands of Kercher-Pratt. She kept the sheet clean, and has still yet to let a ball get by her this season, though she's quick to acknowledge the work of those around her for that success.

“It also stems, obviously, from the front line," Kercher-Pratt said. "Our press is really good… It starts with that. If we all do our job from every single line I think we’ll be okay. The team came out for me and I helped them as needed, too.”

The shutout was a team effort, but six saves is still quite the feat. While she wouldn’t take the credit herself, the Mountain West recognized her accomplishment and named her the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week.

Beyond the conference stage and into the national conversation, the victory propelled the Aggies into the Coaches Poll Top 25 for the first time in program history, earning a spot at No. 19 in the most recent iteration of the rankings. This is Utah State’s first 3-0 start since 2013, and also the team's first time opening the year with three straight shutouts since 2013.

The win also added to a successful home record. In the Martins era, Utah State is now 4-0 in home openers, with a 20-9 all-time mark. With this win, the Aggies extended their home unbeaten streak to 10 games. 

“It is so fun," Miller said. "You guys (the HURD) do a great job getting into the other team’s head. It’s so exciting knowing that you guys are here watching and supporting.”

“It’s amazing, Kercher-Pratt added. “The atmosphere is really nice. We got the HURD behind our north goal (now). I think if our bench and the HURD and all of our fans keep showing up for every single game at home then we can use their energy to win games.”

Martins summed it up nicely.

“There's nothing like playing at the Bell. It’s home.”

Despite the barrage of accolades and excitement around the team, Martin isn't surprised by the early success of his group, and is focused more on the positive impact it can have on the confidence of his players. They'll need every bit of that confidence, as Utah State continues its run through Big 12 opponents next with a game in Salt Lake City against Utah on Wednesday evening, before a massive bout at 14th-ranked BYU.

“I know what our team can do, I know what our potential is, so it's a belief the girls will get with each of these games,” Martins said.