PROVO, Utah — No. 12 BYU women’s soccer defeated LMU 2-0 on a chilly Saturday night at South Field, remaining undefeated in West Coast Conference play.
With Santa Clara losing to Portland Saturday night, BYU (11-3-1, 6-0 WCC) is now the only remaining undefeated team in the conference, setting up a massive matchup next Saturday, when BYU travels to face Santa Clara on the road.
“It’s tough to win in conference play this time of year,” said Jennifer Rockwood, BYU head coach. "As other teams are finding out it, doesn’t just happen. We did a good job tonight with putting pressure on after we lost the ball and winning it back. It was a good game for us.”
BYU dominated play overall, outshooting LMU 30-4 in the game. LMU's goalkeeper Kendyll Humphreys came up big with 11 saves. While the Cougars possessed the ball the majority of the game, the Lions packed in defenders on the back end, altering many BYU attempts.
The Cougars have now scored 30 goals in conference play, and have only allowed three from their WCC opponents, in the six games.
First Half
BYU started the match with the third quickest goal in program history as sophomore Bella Folino hit the back of the net in the 54th second of the game, after the ball pinballed through the box off of two rebounds.
The Cougars kept up the pressure and possession, staying within their attacking third. Folino came close to getting her second of the night as the cross from sophomore Brecken Mozingo was sent into the box and saved by Humphreys.
BYU maintained a majority of possession as shot after shot was taken by the Cougars. Sophomore Oliva Wade took the 14th shot of the night, narrowly missing over the crossbar in the 29th minute.
LMU took their first shot of the night off the foot of Skylar Robledo to the lower left corner in the 43rd minute, the shot was saved by senior Cassidy Smith for BYU. Shortly after Robledo received the first yellow card of the match after taking down freshman Olivia Smith. BYU tried to capitalize on a last-minute free kick, but were unable to find the back of the net.
The Cougars dominated the half with 18 shots and eight coming on goal. The Lions tallied seven saves with Humphreys holding the defense together.
Second Half
BYU continued to hold strong, however, still unable to capitalize on the shots taken. Senior Cameron Tucker took a shot in the box in the 57th minute. However, Humphreys refused to let anything past her goal line.
LMU had a break leading to its second shot of the night from Madison Thomas, being saved by Smith.
Senior All-American Mikayla Colohan scored the Cougars second goal of the night after being fouled in the box in the 69th minute. Colohan’s converted penalty marks her 13th goal of the season, 47th career goal and places her fourth all-time in program history.
BYU and LMU continued their battle on the field. Freshman Addie Gardner tried adding another goal to the books for BYU with a highlight-reel, back-heeled shot narrowly missing the far post.
The Cougars did not relent on their attack, holding onto possession and continuing to add shots and keep pressure in their attacking third through the end. BYU ended the match with 30 shots, 13 on goal and 11 corners, while holding LMU to four shots, with two on goal and no corners in the match.
The Cougars will travel to Stevens Stadium for the massive matchup against the reigning national champs of Santa Clara next Saturday, Oct. 30 at 1 p.m. PDT. The game will be broadcast on the WCC Network and BYU Sports Network/BYU Radio 107.9 FM/BYU Cougars App.