PROVO, Utah – BYU women’s soccer triumphed over Southern Utah 4-1 at South Field Wednesday night.
“I think what is noticeable right now is our level of experience and composure,” said head coach Jennifer Rockwood. “That’s something that we struggled with last year. Having all of these girls return and having played a full competitive season, you can tell the maturity of our team right now. I’ve been really pleased with this group."
The Cougars outshot the Thunderbirds 31-8 in tonight's win, with 14 shots on frame and four finding the back of the net. BYU had seven corner kicks to SUU's two, forcing Southern Utah goalkeepers to post 10 saves on the night.
First Half
The Cougars started the game quick and aggressive. Within the first four minutes, BYU took two shots and two corners.
In the 14th minute, center back Izzi Stratton sent a long ball through to striker Ellie Walbruch who dumped it off to freshman Sophie Sivulich for the first goal of the night.
The Thunderbirds countered with an attempt at goal in the 23rd minute. SUU’s Kayleigh Acree fired off a shot from outside the 18 hitting the crossbar before being cleared out by the Cougar backline.
Two minutes later, sophomore Emma Hamberlin dished the ball to Walbruch who sent the ball into the back of the net for BYU’s second goal of the night.
The Cougars kept up the pressure on the Thunderbirds’ goalkeeper. The 31st minute featured back-to-back attempts on goal by Hamberlin and Halle Dixon.
In the 36th minute, Cassidy Drago pushed the ball ahead to Mia Goettsche who sent the ball towards the goal for Hamberlin to tap it in for BYU’s third goal of the night.
The Cougars dominated possession of the ball in the first half, and led in shots 17-3, with 10 being on frame.
Second Half
The Cougars came out of the locker room strong, increasing their lead five minutes into the half. Mia Lopez touched a ball ahead to Presley Freeman who gave it to Sivulich for her second goal of the night and BYU’s fourth.
The Thunderbirds answered back in the 78th minute for their first goal of the night. SUU’s Brooklyn Bradley sent it across inside the 18 to Carly Radke who booted it in.
The final minute of the match featured a sliding block at the post by junior defender Ella Rustand to hold BYU's 4-1 win.
Up Next
BYU will play its final exhibition game at South Field against Utah Tech on Saturday, August 9th at 7 p.m. MT. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.