The Colorado State women’s soccer team finished up a four-game home stretch this weekend, picking up one win and a loss in a wind-filled series against Utah State and Boise State. The Rams came into Friday’s matchup against Utah State on a three-game winning streak, and they extended that run to four wins in a row before falling to conference-leading Boise State on Sunday.

CSU vs. Utah State

Utah State was in town for their matchup with Colorado State on Friday, Oct. 18. The Rams came out with a 1-0 victory to remain unbeaten at home this season with a flawless 7-0 record.

The Aggies started strong, seeing most of the possession and creating most of the chances for their attackers, but they were unable to find the target, registering zero shots on goal in the first half. However, 33 minutes into the first half, CSU’s Gracie Armstrong was able to find some space for a beautifully lofted cross into the box. The ball found the head of Caeley Lordemann, who proceeded to score the game’s only goal, her eighth goal of the season.

ɪᴄʏᴍɪ: Another view on Friday's Goal 👀

🚨Caeley Lordemann in 2019🚨
6️⃣ Game-Winning Goals
1st in the @MountainWest
T-1st in the @NCAASoccer #ProudToBe | #CSURams pic.twitter.com/W3LXMlKWFZ

— Colorado State Soccer (@CSUFutbol) October 19, 2019

CSU came out fast in the second half. Rams winger Ally Murphy-Pauletto was the facilitator for CSU’s offensive aggression. Murphy-Pauletto frequently tested Utah State’s back four defensemen with her rapid pace. Utah refused to go quietly, and the Aggies were able to get 12 shots off in the second half, with seven of those finding the target — but it wasn’t enough to beat Rams goalkeeper Gabi McDonald.

McDonald made seven saves in the second half, including a spectacular fingertip save in the 69th minute, safeguarding the Rams’ one-goal lead.

“Today was probably the best college game I’ve seen (McDonald) play,” Head Coach Bill Hempen said. “She pretty much got her hand on everything.”

Friday’s win saw the Rams improve to 10-4-1 on the season, while Utah State fell to 6-9-1.

CSU vs. Boise State

The Rams finished their weekend series with a 1-0 loss to Boise State on Sunday.

The Broncos took hold of the game early, with seven shots on target in the first half. They had a strong offensive presence unlike the Rams, who only posted three shots in the first half. Boise’s big break came in the 21st minute when winger Raimee Sherle threaded a pass to McKenna Kynett. Kynett was able to place the ball into the bottom right corner, despite McDonald getting a slight touch on the shot.

The Rams started the second half strong. CSU’s best chance of the game came off the leg of Armstrong in the 47th minute. Armstrong rocketed a shot from 20 yards. The attempt was inches away from bouncing in off the crossbar. The Rams kept their energy up, creating chances until the very end, but they were unable to find the finishing touch. The game ended 1-0 in favor of Boise State.

Boise State created the most chances in the game, with 10 shots, seven shots on goal and four corners. Colorado State had eight shots, four shots on goal and one corner.

This game may have been a preview of what is to come as the regular season winds down and teams start to think about the postseason.

“We are more motivated than ever,” Lordemann said. “We’re going to bounce back from it. We’re going to see them in the postseason, and we’re going to get them back. I’m excited for that chance.”

The Rams’ record falls to 10-5-1 after the loss. CSU will be in Nevada next week for a weekend series against Nevada and University of Nevada, Las Vegas before returning to Fort Collins for the final game of the regular season against Wyoming.

Bailey Shepherd can be reached can be reached at sports@collegian.com or on Twitter @B_Sheps.