Women’s soccer to play at home for next three weeks

    31

    By JENNIFER GROSKREUTZ

    After a disappointing weekend in Massachusetts, the BYU women’s soccer team is anxious to open the Mountain West Conference at home with games against New Mexico and the University of Utah.

    The Cougars beat Boston 2-1 last Saturday, but fell 1-0 in Monday’s game against Harvard amid bad weather conditions.

    “There were puddles on a lot of the field. Any pass would stop in the middle of a puddle. It took us out of our game,” head coach Jennifer Rockwood said.

    Rain and cold weather made it difficult for the Cougars to adjust to their field positions and to play to their full potential.

    “We couldn’t play our style that we’re used to playing,” Rockwood said.

    Rockwood said BYU should be able to make a comeback this weekend. The Cougars will be playing at home for the next three weeks. Four of their six conference games will be on their home field.

    “We really have to focus the next few weeks. Everyone plays their best soccer against us,” she said.

    The University of Utah shut out New Mexico 1-0 on Wednesday. The game dropped New Mexico’s record to 5-7-1. The Lobos’ and the Utes’ Western Athletic Conference records in 1998 were 2-4. Both teams tied for fourth place. The Cougar’s WAC record last year was 5-1, putting them in second place.

    Although BYU had difficulties in both away games last weekend, the team is looking forward to opening the MWC at home. BYU takes on New Mexico Friday at 6 p.m. on South Field.

    “All of us are excited to come back home and play with a home crowd. It’s hard when you struggle, especially two games in a row,” junior midfielder Natalyn Orchard-Lewis said.

    Friday’s game against New Mexico isn’t going to be easy for BYU.

    “New Mexico always puts up a good fight,” Lewis said.

    The Cougars go up against the University of Utah (8-4) Saturday at 8 p.m. on South Field. All-American Maren Hendershot said the team is pretty excited for the matchup.

    “This is the kind of game where records don’t matter. When it comes down to it on game day, it’s just who wants it more. Ever since I’ve been at BYU, we’ve beat Utah. I want to make sure it stays that way,” she said.

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email