The Utah State women’s soccer team opened its season with a tightly contested win over Utah Valley, edging the visitors 1‑0 at UCCU Stadium on August 24, 2026.
A decisive strike in the 35th minute
Ellie Hendrix curled a shot that found the back of the net, delivering the only goal of the match and sparking celebration among the home side.
Utah Valley’s push for an equaliser came in the 74th minute when they earned a penalty, only to see it denied by Utah State goalkeeper Ivy Nystrom, preserving the lead.
Shot statistics highlighted a closely fought battle: Utah Valley held a 13‑11 edge in total attempts, while Utah State out‑shot them 9‑5 on goal.
Following the result, Utah Valley head coach Chris Lemay praised his squad’s effort, acknowledging the narrow loss but emphasizing the team’s positive performance as they prepare for a Thursday night clash with No. 12‑ranked Kansas.
The win lifts Utah State to a 2‑1‑1 record, while Utah Valley falls to 0‑2‑1, setting the stage for an early‑season showdown that could influence conference standings.