For the first time in program history, Utah State soccer is a ranked team. The latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 poll placed the Aggies 19th in the country.
This ranking comes off the back of an incredibly strong 3-0 start to the 2024 season. USU has not yet allowed a goal this year and has scored nine goals itself in wins over Pepperdine (4-0), Hawaii (3-0) and Texas Tech (2-0). The wins over Pepperdine and Texas Tech were particularly impressive given both squads were champions of their respective conferences (WCC and Big 12) along with being NCAA Tournament teams.
Utah State’s defense is obviously a strong point, being one of just 12 teams to play multiple game so far and not give up a single goal, but it’s the offense where the team seems to be making the most strides so far. The Aggies were a very solid 42nd in goals against average in 2023 (and first in the Mountain West at just 0.78 per game) but way down at 197th in goals scored (1.22 per game). Through three games, Utah State is averaging an even 3.0 goals per game, good for 20th in the country, with multiple goals in all three outings so far.
The Aggies are also seeing the emergence of potential stars for the rest of the season. Junior midfielder Tess Werts has three goals this season — tied for 25th among all players — which already matches her entire 2023 total in goals scored. Goalkeeper Shay Kercher-Pratt now has two clean sheets and was recently named the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week for the first time in the redshirt freshman’s career. Kylie Olsen, one of the key returners in the defensive back line, earned the same Defensive POTW honors last week from the Mountain West.
Newcomers to the team are also making an impact, among them being true freshman Austin Miller, a product of the local Green Canyon High School. In the first three games of her career she’s played 102 minutes and recorded one goal and one assist. The goal, which came against Texas Tech, helped her win Mountain West Freshman of the Week. Cora Brendle, a goalkeeper and transfer from USC Upstate, played the full 90 minutes against Pepperdine and got the Aggies’ first shutout of the season.
Utah State’s next challenge will be games at the University of Utah on Wednesday and at No. 16 BYU on Saturday.