Sublette's first-career score leads Falcons to 1-0 win

COLORADO SPRINGS- Entering Thursday, the Falcons had suffered three-consecutive tough-luck losses. That streak ended at the sound of the evening's final whistle, as Air Force opened its conference schedule with a 1-0 win over Utah State.

"What a great team win tonight," said head coach Laura Busby. "I told them before the game it was going to take all 32 players to win tonight and the effort across the board was phenomenal."

A match that began with the Aggies controlling a majority of the possession, the Falcons turned the corner midway through the opening half. At the 31-minute mark, Air Force's control of the ball paid off, as the Falcons were awarded a penalty kick.

"Utah State was a quality side that caused us some issues early on, but luck was finally on our side and we earned a PK instead of conceding one," said Busby.

The captain of the Falcons, Grace Sublette, was tasked with the chance at goal. The senior rewarded the faith of the Air Force coaching staff, as Sublette unleashed a right-footed rocket to the top-left corner of the net to give Air Force a 1-0 lead.

The goal was the first of Sublette's collegiate career, as the senior managed a game-high three shots on goal. Including Sublette, the Air Force attack was a group-effort. The Falcons saw six players accumulate a total of eight shots on goal.

The Air Force defense was mighty in its effort, allowing just six on shots on goal on 14 attempts through the entirety of the night. Goalkeeper Sydney Davis did her job between the pipes, stopping all six on-target attempts from Utah State.

"Our back line was focused and tough as nails tonight," Busby added. "They made Sydney's job easy in goal and earned the shutout."

Thursday represents the Falcons first clean sheet of 2023. The win also marks Air Force's first home win over Utah State since 2018, coincidentally an identical 1-0 final score.

Air Force celebrated "Pack The House Night" at Cadet Soccer Stadium on Thursday, and Coach Busby believes the Air Force Academy Cadet Drum and Bugle Corps provided the proper spark in the Falcons win.

"We want to thank the Drum and Bugle Corps for carrying us over the finish line tonight," she said. "We really appreciated their support along with all the cadets and AOC's in attendance."

Next, the Falcons will wrap up a three-match homestand, as Air Force hosts Boise State on Sunday, September 24. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 pm MT.

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