No. 5 Cougars Oust Aggies in 11-Round NCAA Opening Penalty Shootout
The No. 5 BYU women’s soccer team triumphed over Utah State in a thrilling NCAA Tournament opener, winning a penalty shootout 7-6 after a 1-1 draw through double overtime. The match took place on South Field in Provo, Utah, showcasing the Cougars’ resilience and skill.
Key Events and Statistics
- Match Date: November 17, 2023
- Venue: South Field, Provo, Utah
- Final Score: BYU 1, Utah State 1 (BYU wins 7-6 in penalty shootout)
- BYU Goals: Mia Goettsche (5th goal of the season)
- Assists:
- Mika Krommenhoek (7th assist)
- Mackenzee Vance (3rd assist)
- Total Shots: BYU 24, Utah State 11
- Penalty Saves: Chelsea Peterson (3 saves during the shootout)
Match Overview
The match began with Utah State making an early attempt, but BYU’s goalkeeper, Chelsea Peterson, was quick to respond. After a challenging start, the Cougars took control, with Goettsche scoring at the 18-minute mark to give BYU a 1-0 lead.
Utah State equalized in the second half when Tess Werts assisted Mia Mullenmeister for a goal in the 53rd minute. Despite a determined effort, neither team could break the deadlock, leading to a hard-fought double overtime.
Overtime Drama
In the first overtime, BYU did not register a shot, while Utah State attempted one, keeping the score tied. The second overtime saw the Cougars intensifying their offense, dominating shot attempts but failing to score, pressing the match into a penalty shootout.
Pivotal Penalty Shootout
Both teams showcased their nerve as each had ten players participate in the shootout. BYU initially struggled, missing their first conversion, but regained momentum with subsequent successful kicks from Walbruch, Krommenhoek, and others.
| BYU Kicks | Status |
|---|---|
| 1. Mackenzee Vance | Missed |
| 2. Ellie Walbruch | Scored |
| 3. Izzi Stratton | Scored |
| 4. Lucy Kesler | Saved |
| 5. Mika Krommenhoek | Scored |
| 6-11. Afton Perry, Mia Goettsche, Izzi Stratton | Scored |
Peterson’s heroic saves kept BYU in contention, including stopping crucial attempts from the Aggies. The Cougars ultimately secured their victory with a final miss from Utah State, confirming a 7-6 win in the shootout.
Next Steps for BYU
This victory propels BYU into the round of 32, where they will face the winner of the UCLA versus Pepperdine matchup on November 20, 2023. Head coach Jennifer Rockwood expressed pride in her team’s performance and the support from their fans.
With an intense match behind them, the Cougars look forward to continuing their NCAA tournament journey and maintaining their momentum.
