PROVO, Utah – BYU women’s soccer (5-2-2, 1-0-1 Big 12) defeated UCF 3-1 at South Field on Thursday night.
Junior forward Mika Krommenhoek tallied a goal and an assist and sophomore Afton Perry notched her first goal of the season in a 3-1 BYU victory over UCF. The win is the Cougar’s first in the Big 12 this season.
The Cougars offense was firing on all cylinders recording 24 shots, 9 shots on goal and 8 corners while the defense held the Knights to just 2 shots on goal and 1 corner.
First Half
The Cougars were quick off the blocks, needing only one minute and twelve seconds to find the back of the net, the 8th fastest goal in BYU women’s soccer history. Goal scorer Mia Goettsche netted her second consecutive goal following beautiful link up play from Presley Freeman who, after receiving a ball down the line from Mia Woods, sent a cross into the box delivering the Cougars an early advantage.
The first 10 minutes were all BYU with the Cougars pressuring and pestering the UCF defense relentlessly.
The Knights counterattacked their way out of the gridlock and equalized 1-1 in the 12th minute. The Cougars challenged the play for a potential missed off-side but the call stood after video referee review.
BYU offensive pressure continued as a dangerous cross from Afton Perry in the 20th minute almost restored its lead, however Mia Goetsche’s header went wide. Emma Hamberlin’s swift strike from the top of the box forced a save from the UCF keeper in the 27th minute.
The Cougars continued their offensive onslaught, ending the first half with a total of 14 shots, 4 on goal, two corners while forcing 3 saves and 5 fouls from the Knights.
Second Half
Back to back runs from Mika Krommenhoek down the right wing saw BYU start the second half with back to back corners. The surge in the final third continued in the 54th minute as an Anna Neff header glanced just over the bar.
The game saw involvement from the video assistant referee for a second time as a deflection in the BYU box prompted calls for a handball and review from the UCF coaching staff. Following a quick review the referee confirmed the call on the field, giving no penalty against the Cougars.
After knocking on the door for the first 25 minutes of the second half, the Cougars finally found their second goal in the 70th minute. Krommenhoek stopped a potential Knight counter attack, winning a duel against a UCF defender and pushing the ball up field. Laying the ball back to the top of the eighteen-yard box, Krommenhoek found a waiting Afton Perry who slotted home her first goal of the season to give the Cougars a 2-1 lead.
The Cougars sustained their offensive pressure with shots from Presley Freeman and Emma Neff, but neither were able to find the back of the net. It was a foul in the 76th minute on the edge of the box that set up the Cougars third goal. Lucy Kesler stood over the ball and whipped in a cross, connecting with Krommenhoek who headed in the goal to put the game to bed, 3-1.
Up Next:
The Cougars will be back under the lights of South Field against TCU Monday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. MT. The match will be streamed on ESPN+.