Fans and families gathered together on Labor Day to watch the BYU women’s soccer team defeat the University of Arizona 2-0.
This win marks a three-game winning streak for the Cougars.
“I was really pleased with the way the girls played today,” said BYU head coach Jennifer Rockwood. “It was a good game for us.”
BYU came out strong from the very start, putting a lot of pressure on Arizona and executing key aspects of the game; things Rockwood said they had been working on.
“So many of the things we have been talking about the last couple weeks came together,” Rockwood said. “Two-touch play and using the entire field are both things I think we can check off the board.”
BYU’s pressure paid off with a goal in the 20th minute. The Cougars were awarded a free kick, which was crossed into the middle of Arizona’s box by junior midfielder Jessica Ringwood. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts by Arizona to clear the box, BYU defender Lindsi Lisonbee found herself with the ball and fired a shot that hit the back of the net, giving BYU a 1-0 lead.
“It [the goal] was kind of lucky let’s be honest,” Lisonbee said. “I was excited because I have been wanting a goal all year so it felt good to finally get one.”
BYU kept the momentum going, and with three minutes left in the first half, sophomore Kyleigh Royall launched the ball past four Arizona defenders and the keeper, scoring the second goal for BYU. These two goals were firsts on the season for Lisonbee and Royall.
Although no goals were seen from either side during the second half, BYU had many opportunities that resulted in dangerous shots on Arizona’s goal. By the end of the game, BYU had outshot Arizona 21-5, and senior goalkeeper McKinzie Olson had rarely touched the ball with her hands.
“This was a great game for us,” Lisonbee said. “We finally got some rhythm all around and had the confidence we needed to come out here and get the job done. We played really well together and connected, so it was nice to see that.”
BYU’s record is now 4-1-1, as the Cougars head into their next game at home on Saturday against Rice.
