CAMBRIDGE -- Rain, cold, wind and a soaked field aren't always the best playing conditions for BYU's women's soccer team, and on Monday evening, the ninth ranked Cougar team could not convert, losing a heartbreaking 1-0 decision to 23rd ranked Harvard at the Harvard Invitational.
The Crimson's Beth Totman scored with just 45 seconds remaining in the game to give Harvard the victory and avoid an overtime period in extremely cold and wet conditions. The loss drops BYU's record to 11-2 on the year and Harvard improves to 6-1-1.
"We didn't play very well today, and the conditions took us out of our passing game," said BYU head coach Jennifer Rockwood. "We didn't read the ball very well and Harvard was a step quicker than we were. Obviously it's a disappointment for us, but we'll regroup and pull things together for this upcoming weekend."
BYU had 15 shots on goal and three corner kicks in the game, compared with 17 shots and seven corner kicks for Harvard. Sophomore midfielder Jennie Christianson was named BYU's MVP of the tournament.
The Cougars return home to open Mountain West Conference action with games against New Mexico and Utah on Friday and Saturday night.
-AGATE- BYU-0; HVD-1
Scoring: Harvard - Beth Totman, 89:17 (Joey Yenne, assist)