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Logan • After Jeannie Woller graduated from the Waterford School in Sandy and was deciding where to play college soccer, her decision came down to Utah State or Seattle University.
"It's kind of funny because they are so different," Woller said. "One is urban and ambulances wake you up at night. The other one isn't. You wake up because cows are mooing."
Eventually, Woller picked Utah State, where she has become one of the most successful goalkeepers in school history.
"It was the best decision of my life," she said.
A senior, Woller ranks first in saves (97) and second in save percentage (.822) in the Mountain West Conference, heading into Friday's regular-season finale against Boise State.
The stakes could not be higher.
The top six teams in the Mountain West qualify for the conference tournament. San Diego State, New Mexico and San Jose State have already clinched berths.
Behind them, Wyoming, Utah State, Boise State, UNLV, Colorado College and Fresno State are lumped within three points of each other. All remain alive in the tournament race with one game remaining.
For the Aggies, the equation is simple.
If they beat Boise State, they qualify for the postseason. They could be seeded as high as No. 4 or as low as No. 6 in the MWC tournament, depending on the outcome of other games between Wyoming-Colorado State, Colorado College-Air Force, UNLV-Nevada and Fresno State-San Jose State.
It's conceivable, but highly unlikely, Utah State could lose to Boise and still make the tournament. But winning removes all doubt.
"It's a big game," Aggie assistant coach Trevor Wachsman said. "Essentially, it's tournament time right now and our team is excited. It's in our control. If we get a result — if we take care of business — we won't have to rely on anybody. Win and we're in."
Utah State is 10-8-1 overall and 5-5 in the Mountain West. Boise is 7-9-3 and 5-5.
"Traditionally," Wachsman said, "Utah State-Boise games are tight and competitive. I wouldn't expect anything different this time, especially because we are fighting for the same thing. …
"Boise is similar to us in a lot of ways. They've had games when they've performed very well and games when they probably feel they could have done better. But I expect they'll be at the top of their game in this one."
Utah State has won three of its past four matches, but the Aggies come off a heartbreaking 2-1 loss at Wyoming. The go-ahead goal was scored with less than five minutes remaining.
"I feel like we're playing well," Wachsman said. "We're still dealing with inconsistency. Sometimes we're brilliant and sometimes we're average. … We have to play with energy against Boise because this is a great opportunity."
Woller sees it the same way.
"If you play soccer — if you play any sport — this is the kind of game we all live for," she said.
When it ends, Woller suspects "a few tears will be shed" because she's either played her final home game or the final game of her career.
"I love these girls," Woller said. "They are my family."
Twitter: @sluhm —
Playoffs in sight
• The Utah State women's soccer team closes the regular season Friday against Boise State.
• With a win, the Aggies qualify for next week's Mountain West Conference tournament in San Diego.
• Utah State has won three of its past four matches. The Aggies are 10-8-1 overall and 5-5 in league play.