Cougars draw 1-1 against Saint Mary’s after late equalizer from Tucker

MORAGA, Calif. — No. 17 BYU women’s soccer tied 1-1 after two overtimes at Saint Mary’s Saturday afternoon. 

This was the first double overtime game of the season for the Cougars and the first draw. BYU is now 9-3-1 overall, 5-1-1in WCC play. 

“Saint Mary’s was just beating us to the ball and putting more pressure, hitting us hard, and we just couldn't settle the ball down,” said BYU head coach Jen Rockwood. “We’re very fortunate to come up with the tie, but that’s certainly nothing that we’re willing to accept, and we’re disappointed with our performance. We’ll have to get back to work and try and recoup and recover and be ready.”

Cameron Tucker was the only Cougar to score, putting the ball into the net in the 86th minute to tie the game. Tucker is now on a four game goal streak, scoring in every game extending back to the March 24 win at San Diego. 

Overall, BYU had 18 shots, eight of those on goal, and nine corner kicks. Saint Mary’s came up with nine total shots, three on goal with one settling in past BYU keeper Cassidy Smith for a goal. 

There were no goals scored in the first 45 min of the game, with 11 shots taken by both teams. 

BYU started off the game aggressive, quickly securing a corner kick in the third minute. Momentum then shifted in the Gaels’ favor, as their defense took control of the ball. 

Tucker had a chance on breakaway in the 28th minute, using her speed to beat a defender and going one on one with the keeper. Tucker shot the ball high over the crossbar and out of play. 

BYU had four corner kicks, six shots, and two saves to end the first half.  

The 57th minute brought a pause due to a SMC injury. The Cougars took advantage of the brief break, regrouping and getting Mikayla Colohan a shot on goal soon after. 

Both teams remained scoreless until the 80th minute. Saint Mary’s then struck first, from a corner kick that deflected off of a BYU defender and into the back of the net. 

Tucker followed up in the 86th minute, scoring the Cougar’s only goal of the day, with just four minutes left in regulation time. 

BYU had three shots by Tucker, Shepherd and McCarthy in the first overtime.

For the first time in the 2021 season, a second overtime was needed for the Cougars. BYU’s final corner kick, in the 109th minute, fell short, ending the game 1-1. 

The Cougars will remain on the road for their next two games, traveling to Pepperdine April 10 and 12. Kickoff will begin at 1 p.m. PDT April 10 and 3 p.m. PDT April 12.  Both games will be available on BYU Radio.