PROVO, Utah - BYU soccer played in its annual Blue/White game on Saturday night at South Field, with the Blue team defeating White 1-0.
The early August heat pushed the match to 30-minute periods, instead of the regular 45-minute periods.
First Half
The Blue team tallied the first two shots of the game, a pair of consecutive strikes in the 8th and 9th minute. The first had goalkeeper Chelsea Peterson of the White team at full stretch as Lucy Kesler’s strike missed just wide right of the post. The second came from Ellie Walbruch, who, after a quick turn in the box, saw her shot miss high left. The White team responded four minutes later with a shot of its own, though Kyliegh Hastings’ attempt was off-target.
The White team had the only two corners of the half, with the second producing a scoring opportunity. Off the set piece, the ball bounced off a back post header and found the feet of freshman Brynnli Tolbert, but goalie Sarah Mathis stood tall and made the stop.
The score stood 0-0 at halftime with Blue and White generating 5 shots each, both testing the keeper once with 1 shot on goal apiece.
Second Half
The Blue team began the second half strong, finding the back of the net in the 35th minute. Stringing passes through the midfield the Blue team found an open Kesler on the right wing. Kesler then quickly swung in a cross and cousin Walbruch's glancing header put the Blue team up 1-0.
White team, looking for an equalizer, threw together a series of passes around the box leading to a dangerous deflection near goal, forcing the Blue team to clear. The White team continued their offensive pressure in the 43rd minute as Emma Neff teed up for a long shot, forcing a comfortable save by keeper Mathis.
With 13 total shots, the Blue team held off late pressure from White team, who finished with 8 total shots, to complete the 1-0 victory.
Up Next
The Cougars will return to South Field next Saturday at 7 p.m. for their next exhibition game against the Idaho State Bengals. Watch broadcasts live on ESPN+.