No. 9 Cougars top rival Utes 2-0

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PROVO, Utah – An energetic crowd filled South Field Friday night as the No. 9 BYU women’s soccer team recorded a 2-0 win against in-state rival University of Utah (2-2-1) in the first Deseret First Duel of the season. 

The game’s attendance of 5,620 beat last week’s all-time record of 5,589 set against Colorado.  With the win, the Cougars now improve to 4-0-0 on the season, and 20-7-1 all-time against the Utes.

“What a great environment we have for college soccer! The fans were phenomenal, and I am really proud of our team,” BYU head coach Jennifer Rockwood said.  “It’s a great win. Certainly anytime you can play and beat your rival, is huge for us. Obviously, Utah got us last year, so we were anxious to have another opportunity.”

The Cougars found the back of the net in the 13^th minute when a Bizzy Phillips header found freshman midfielder Madie Siddoway’s feet, who then launched an arching shot from 20 yards out into the upper left-hand corner of the goal, giving the Cougars a 1-0 lead. The goal was Siddoway’s first of the year and first of her career. It was also the first assist of the year for sophomore Bizzy Phillips.

“Sid’s (Siddoway) goal was phenomenal. I am so excited for her. To come in as a freshman and earn a starting spot, and then to score her first collegiate goal against Utah, well, I’m sure she won’t forget that one,” Rockwood said.

Just eight minutes later, after a Utah foul just outside the penalty box, Nadia Gomes scored on a left-footed free kick. Gomes snuck the ball past the left side of the Utah wall of defenders, giving the Cougars a 2-0 advantage. The goal was her second of the season.

BYU’s defense recorded yet another shutout, making it its fourth of the season.  Junior goalkeeper Rachel Boaz grabbed seven saves for the Cougars, and has not allowed a goal in four consecutive games. There was an endless firing of shots from both teams. Utah had 20 shots on goal to BYU’s 17.

“Rachel just keeps stepping up big for us every time she steps on the field. Also, Taylor (Campbell Isom) and Stephanie (Ringwood) did a phenomenal job. They had their hands full, especially in the second half,” Rockwood said. “Rachel continues to be a great presence for us in the back, and she came up with some big saves tonight to make sure we secured the win.”

With the home win over Utah, BYU now has a nine-game home win streak dating back to previous 2014 season, and a four-game win streak on the year.

BYU travels to Palo Alto, California to take on No. 2 Stanford (3-0) next Monday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. PT. It will be the first time in BYU women’s soccer history that the Cougars will face a top-10 opponent while also being ranked nationally in the top-10.

The audio can be streamed on the Cougar IMG Sports Network on BYUcougars.com, the BYU Cougars app and can be heard on ESPN 960 AM.