Flake lifts Cougars 1-0 over Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. – A goal by Elise Flake gave the BYU women’s soccer team a 1-0 victory over Portland at Merlo Field Saturday night.

"I loved the way we came out," BYU head coach Jennifer Rockwood said. "We had a great first half and were a bit unfortunate, but what a move Elise made to put the ball in the back of the net. They are having fun and working hard and we want to finish the season strong."

The first half was controlled by the Cougars  (7-6-4, 4-2-1 West Coast Conference) despite neither team finding the back of the net. BYU tallied eight shots including four on goal and shots by Danika Bowman and Nadia Gomes that sailed just high of the crossbar. The Pilots (5-12-1, 2-6 WCC) only got two shots off, both of which went wide.

Portland picked up its attack in the second half, forcing BYU goalkeeper Hannah Clark to make two big saves early in the half.

The lone goal of the match occurred in the 68th minute when freshman Mikayla Colohan found Elise Flake in the 18-yard box. Flake placed her shot to the near post and put the Cougars ahead 1-0.

BYU outshot Portland 13-8 in the win, which included shots by five different players. The win was the sixth shutout for the Cougars this season.

WCC action for BYU continues on the road at San Francisco on Thursday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. PDT. Live coverage will be available on TheW.tv and can be heard on BYU Radio (Sirius XM 143) and ESPN 960 AM.