Colorado State women’s soccer took on No. 19 Utah State on home turf in a tough challenge for the Rams on Sunday.
CSU started the season 2-7-2, and their matchup with USU marked the third time they have faced a ranked opponent this season.
Numerous questions surrounded the Rams coming into their matchup, especially against an opponent as dominant as USU.
The Rams entered the game fresh off a 2-1 win against Fresno State last Thursday, giving them a morale boost after a difficult start to the season.
The Aggies also entered the game riding high, coming into Fort Collins after a 2-1 win against Texas State.
The victory for USU also marked its fifth consecutive win, having not lost a game since playing No. 17 Colorado almost a month ago.
Senior defender Bridget Arnold knew the challenges CSU would face coming into the matchup, especially against a nationally ranked opponent like USU.
“Starting conference, it’s a brand new slate,” Arnold said. “We have put (the beginning of the season) in our rear view mirror and we’re moving on forward. (We’re) getting better and growing and (we know) that as long as we stick to our game plan and do what we know we can do, then that’s the best that we can do,”
It was a tough defensive game for the Rams, as the Aggies generated a total of 11 shots on goal. CSU was only able to muster two shots on target.
CSU goalkeeper Addison Huber stepped up during the first half with seven saves, helping keep the Rams level with Utah State through the first 45 minutes of the game.
Coming into this game, Huber had already made 38 saves on the season for the Rams.
“I was really happy as a shot-stopper today,” Huber said. “A goalkeeper is more than a shot-stopper though. They have to manage the game and they have to do a lot more than just get the ball out of the net, which I’m continually improving on that.”
In the second half, things took a rocky turn for CSU.
The Rams conceded a goal in the 59th minute, which was scored by Solena Sellers and assisted by Kaeda Wilson.
USU would go on to score another two goals in fewer than 10 minutes. In the 71st and 79th minute respectively, sophomore Hadli Barrera would finish two chances to extend the USU lead to 3-0.
The Rams would ultimately drop the matchup 3-0, further deteriorating their record to just 2-8-2 on the season.
CSU head coach Keeley Hagen believes the Rams still have a bright future ahead of them, in spite of their struggles in the first half of the season.
“We’ve got a really unique group,” Hagen said. “Connection isn’t just about spending time on the field. They have to get to know each other off the field… they’re starting to understand the importance of that, and they’re building those relationships. That’s always a big picture, but that’s gonna translate directly on the field.”
CSU women’s soccer will look to bounce back this Thursday, October 8 at 4 p.m. against Gonzaga in another Pac-12 matchup.
Reach Landon Blanco at sports@collegian.com or on social media @RMCollegian.
