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PROVO -- In the second game of their five-game home stretch, the No. 12 BYU Cougars (4-0) defeated No. 14 Northwestern with a 2-1 decision on South Field, Tuesday, for their first victory of the season over a ranked opponent.

Both the Cougars and Wildcats came into the game undefeated with Northwestern just coming off a win vs. No. 3 UCLA, the highest-ranked opponent the Wildcats had ever defeated. The win gave BYU a 4-0 start this season.

“This is a great team," said BYU head coach Jennifer Rockwood. "We have tremendous leadership and a lot of kids who have great experience. Last year we had a young team but this year we're more experienced and have lots of excitement, and energy. The girls love playing together and we’re hoping to get better with every game.”

In the 17th minute of the game, BYU first found the net when junior forward Jennie Marshall scored her fourth goal of the season to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead. Kassidy Shumway was credited with the assist on the goal.

Early in the first half, sophomore standout Carlee Payne took BYU’s first shot on goal of the evening but Northwestern goalkeeper, Carolyn Edwards, prevented the score. The Wildcats had three shots of their own in the opening ten minutes of play but Cougar goalkeeper McKinzie Olson neutralized all attempts.

Fifteen minutes into the game Wildcat midfielder Jill Dunn appeared to have an open shot at the Cougar goal but exceptional BYU defense prevented the score. However, two minutes later Northwestern midfielder Jennifer Baumann connected to tie the score at 1-1.

Each team attempted six goals in the first half of play but went into the locker room with the score tied at 1-1.

Minutes into the second half, BYU had a corner kick opportunity but the kick was overshot and the Cougars quickly found themselves on the defensive side of the ball. However, BYU would spend much of the half on their end of the field.

The only goal of the second half was scored when Payne received a beautiful pass from Shumway in the 55th minute of play. The goal gave Shumway her second assist of the night and was Payne’s second score this year. Still, the Cougars had seven shots on goal in the half and only allowed the Wildcats to take two shots in the half, one of which was a free kick in the 82nd minute. Two of BYU’s shots in the second period were attempted by sophomore forward Jessica Ringwood who finished the game with a team and game high four shots.

Head coach Jennifer Rockwood was honored for her success as the Cougar’s head coach following the game. The win marked Rockwood’s 251st win of her career.

“I didn’t plan on being here this long when I first started out,” Rockwood told media following the game. “But I’m still here and I enjoy it so much. I feel very fortunate and there’s no place I’d rather be.”

BYU will face the No. 21 Washington State Cougars Friday at 7 p.m. at home. The game is slated to air live on BYUtv.

Follow each Cougars game live on Twitter by clicking HERE or visiting twitter.com/byusoccer

Join the BYU Women’s Soccer texting group by texting “wsoc” to 83043. Members of the group receive 2-for-1 discounts to EVERY game!

The BYU Women's Soccer team is on Facebook. Join their page by clicking HERE or visiting facebook.com/byuwomenssoccer

Purchase RESERVED CHAIR SEASON TICKETS for only $40. That’s a savings of $23 over the season of nine home games. Call 422BYU1 for season tickets.

PROVO -- Ready to play the second and third game in their series of five home games, the No. 12 BYU women's soccer (3-0) will host No. 14 Northwestern on Tuesday, August 31, and No. 21 Washington State on Friday, September 3, at South Field.

The BYU women are posting an undefeated start to their 2010 season with wins over Long Beach State, Cal State Fullerton and Weber State.

Six Cougars have tallied goals to the 10-goal total for the team this season with Jennie Marshall and Kassidy Shumway giving three each to lead the team. Carlee Payne, Jessica Ringwood, Auna Janis-Doria and Lindsi Lisonbee have each contributed a goal to the total also.

In the Soccer America poll released today, the Cougars improved their No. 14-ranking to No. 12 after their perfect start to the season.

On Tuesday the Cougars will take on the No. 14 Northwestern Wildcats, who are coming off a huge 1-0 win over No. 3 UCLA for their biggest win in school history. It's the first time UCLA has lost to an un-ranked opponent since 2006. The Wildcats returned seven starters and are currently 2-0-1 this season.

Friday's game will feature a Cougar Clash with BYU hosting the No. 21 Washington State Cougars, who also returned seven starters this season and are posting a 1-3-0 record. WSU freshman goalkeeper Gurveen Clair was named to the U-20 Canadian National team earlier this month and the Cougars were tabbed to finished second in this year's preseason coaches poll.

Both games this week are set for a 7 p.m. start on South Field. Friday's game against Washington State will also be broadcast live on BYUtv.

Follow each Cougars game live on Twitter by clicking HERE or visiting twitter.com/byusoccer

Join the BYU Women’s Soccer texting group by texting “wsoc” to 83043. Members of the group receive 2-for-1 discounts to EVERY game!

The BYU Women's Soccer team is on Facebook. Join their page by clicking HERE or visiting facebook.com/byuwomenssoccer

Purchase RESERVED CHAIR SEASON TICKETS for only $40. That’s a savings of $23 over the season of nine home games. Call 422BYU1 for season tickets.

Game promotions - Tuesday

-Smashburger halftime contest for free food

-Lime Ricki halftime juggling contest for free swimsuit

-Papa Johns giving away 10 free pizzas

-Best Western FREE night giveaway at halftime

-First 250 fans receive the Stacy Bartholomew "I AM BYU" poster, the second of ten to be released this season at each home game

-All fans receive a 2010 team poster

-BYU Soccer shirts for sale, including the exclusive "Game Tonight" t-shirt

-Mini balls thrown out during the game and for every goal

Game promotions - Friday

-Smashburger halftime contest for free food

-Lime Ricki halftime juggling contest for free swimsuit

-First 250 fans receive the Carlee Payne "I AM BYU" poster, the first of ten to be released this season at each home game

-Presented by Glenwood, giving away t-shirts

-All fans receive a 2010 team poster

-BYU Soccer shirts for sale, including the exclusive "Game Tonight" t-shirt

-Mini balls thrown out during the game and for every goal