Utah State Eastern Women started conference play with a pair of matches against the College Of Southern Nevada, last weekend in Price. In the first game the Lady Eagles scored on their first meaningful attack.
McKenna Wiscombe instantly controlled Sarah Reddish’s pass, cutting inside the defender and beating the Coyotes goalkeeper with a powerful left footed drive.
Less than 10 minutes later she scored again, latching onto Morgan Cragun’s pass, outpacing the defender and smashing the ball past the keeper.
“She had a great Friday, she came out with an intensity that was contagious for the team. She’s a consistent finisher and is only getting better,” said teammate Anna Towne of Wiscombe’s performance. Southern Nevada fought back, Ashlee Jordan scoring on a free kick, after Brooke Haley was fouled on the edge of the penalty area. The Coyotes hitting the post after a corner caused chaos in the Eagles penalty box.
The Coyotes continued to dominate possession in the second half. Ashlee Jordan dribbling through the Eagles defense, only to be foiled by a flying save from Eagles goalkeeper Mya Massey. McKenna Wiscombe denied a hat trick as the Eagles were forced to play on the counter. Brianna Duran scoring the equalizer in the 65 minute as the Coyotes pressure was rewarded. 2-2 after regulation time.
The match went into two 10 minute overtime periods. The Coyotes continuing to have more of the play. Logan Duran broke down the left wing, cut inside the penalty area and appeared to be tripped when in the act of shooting. The Eagles penalty appeals waived off by the referee. Jessica Carnahan firing just over the bar for the Coyotes, as neither side able to score the golden goal. The match ended with the Eagles and Coyotes tied at 2 each.
“Very sloppy, their aggression threw us off, we didn’t react well, gave the ball away too easily. It was smart how they pressed us,” said Head Coach Ammon Bennett.
The two sides kicked off again Saturday, the Coyotes making the early running. Brianna Duran firing just over the bar. Anna Towne almost putting in Taylor Field with a penetrating ball as the Eagles counterattacked. With 4 minutes remaining in the half, Wiscombe scored, sneaking in at the back post to put away a curling cross. It was 1-0 Eagles at half time.
The Eagles controlled the second half, Anna Towne heading just over from a corner. Logan Duran intercepted an errant pass at the halfway line, outpacing the defender and beating the Coyotes keeper with a right footed shot.
USUE continued to dominate but were unable to add to their lead. Southern Nevada was hampered by a lack of depth and an injury to star striker Ashlee Jordan. Defenders Ellie Putnam and Madison Nicholls shutting down the Coyotes attack.
“First 20 minutes were rough, eventually we adjusted to their play. They got tired with their high pressing game. The 2nd unit stepped up,” said Coach Bennett. The Lady Eagles are ranked 20 overall with a 4-0-1 record and are 1-0-1 in conference play. They face Salt Lake Community College on the road next Friday and Saturday. The Eagles return home for a non-conference game against Otero College, Saturday Sept. 22.
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