PROVO, Utah – MAC Hermann trophy candidate Elise Flake scored one goal and recorded an assist as No. 10 BYU women’s soccer beat rival Utah 2-0 at South Field on Friday.
“We’re dangerous at attacking,” BYU coach Jennifer Rockwood said. “We had some good opportunities and set the tone nice and early. Sabrina came up with some huge saves in that first half to keep us up a goal. When Cam was able to put that second goal in it certainly helped us settle down a little bit. Our defense was also solid and I’m really proud of the shutout.”
BYU (4-0) put pressure on Utah (2-3) from the opening kick with the Cougars’ first shot on goal coming in the 3rd minute after a cross from Flake found SaraJayne Affleck in front of the net with the shot going directly at the Utes’ keeper.
In the 18th minute, Lizzy Braby wove her way around a couple of Ute defenders into open space just outside the box and sent the ball just over the crossbar. BYU maintained heavy control of the ball in the early moments of the half taking six shots in the first 15 minutes.
Flake found the back of the net in the 20th minute to give the Cougars the lead 1-0. After putting a defender on their heels, the forward cut toward the center of the box and blasted the ball past the goalkeeper to score her fourth goal of the season.
Utah attempted to even the score with two shots on goal in the 21st minute. BYU keeper Sabrina Davis made a diving save on the initial shot before making another save seconds later after the Utes gathered the rebound and sent a second shot on goal.
BYU entered the second half outshooting Utah 10-4 while maintaining the 1-0 lead.
In the 60th minute, Braby had her second opportunity to score after receiving the ball in front of the goal, however, the senior drilled the point-blank shot directly at the keeper.
The Cougars extended their lead to 2-0 with a goal from Cameron Tucker in the 64th minute. Off of a corner from Braby and amid traffic, Flake set up Tucker directly in front of the goal for the forward’s first score of the season.
Tucker, Colohan and Braby each put shots on frame in the closing minutes of the match. BYU’s defense clinched the shutout while only allowing one shot on goal in the second period, leading to the Cougars’ 2-0 win.
BYU will conclude their three-game homestand at South Field against No. 12 Texas A&M on Thursday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. MDT. The game will be televised on BYUtv and streamed online on byutv.org. Audio broadcasts will be available on BYU Radio (107.9 FM) and ESPN 960 AM.
Game Notes
- Elise Flake scored her fourth goal of the season and recorded her first assist of the season
- Cameron Tucker scored her first goal of the season
- BYU posted its third shutout in four games