The Air Force women’s soccer team ended its season after a 1-0 overtime loss to Utah State in the Mountain West Conference Championship semifinals on Wednesday at Boas Soccer Complex in Boise, Idaho. The Falcons, who entered as the No. 2 seed with an 8-7-4 overall record and a 6-2-2 conference mark, were eliminated by third-seeded Utah State.
During the match, Air Force generated six shots from players including Chase Borntreger, Raine Komata, Lauren Steinlage, Eleanor Musgrove, and Ellie McCarron. Goalkeeper Sydney Nelms made five saves in her second career start.
The first half was evenly matched, with both teams struggling to establish control. Air Force’s only shot of the half came from Borntreger. Utah State also managed just one shot on goal before halftime, leaving the score tied at 0-0.
In the second half, Musgrove had a near miss with a shot that went over the crossbar following a corner kick. Utah State appeared to take the lead in the 73rd minute but had their goal overturned after review. Nelms contributed four saves during this period to keep Air Force in contention and force overtime.
Utah State secured victory in the 97th minute when Rachel Reitz scored the golden goal.
“Despite the final score, the Falcons fought to the last whistle, closing the year with grit, unity, and pride.”
This season marked significant achievements for Air Force women’s soccer: it was their first tournament appearance since 2017 and their highest seeding ever for program history. The team also celebrated its first Mountain West Coach of the Year award and Offensive Player of the Year honor while achieving its best regular season conference finish since 1995.
