No. 12 BYU falls to Virginia in second round of NCAA Tournament

CARY, North Carolina – No. 12 BYU women's soccer (11-4-1, 7-1-1 WCC) fell to Virginia (12-4-2, 5-2-1 ACC) 2-0 on Saturday afternoon in the 2020-21 NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament second round.

Not only was this game the first time BYU was shutout this season, but going into the matchup, BYU was on a 53-game scoring streak, shattering the last record of 39 set from October 21, 1995 to October 2, 1997.

“It’s been a great year for us, and we came out doing exactly what we wanted to do in the first half,” said head coach Jennifer Rockwood. “We let them hang around a bit too long, and they’re dangerous. But I’m really proud of the way the girls fought, though it was an unfortunate way to end the season, and sometimes the ball just doesn’t go your way.”

The Cougars came out striking and dominated for the first 30 minutes with several opportunities to score. Makaylie Call and Bella Folino both had shots on goal in the first three minutes of play, saved by Virginia’s goalkeeper. Two-time WCC Player of the Year Mikayla Colohan added two more shots on goal.

Virginia changed the tone of the game when Alexa Spaanstra scored for the Cavaliers scored in the 34th. For the remainder of the first half, the Cougars’ initial momentum dwindled as they played on the back half.

Going into the second half, Virginia applied the pressure, nearly going up 2-0 several times. Senior Cameron Tucker had two missed opportunities in the 62nd and 63rd minutes that were saved by Virginia’s goalie.

BYU goalkeeper Cassidy Smith kept hope alive for BYU with an impressive save midway through the second half, but Virginia’s Spaanstra broke away in the 68th minute and capitalized again for a 2-0 lead.

BYU continued to have good looks and several shots, but ultimately couldn’t finish. Forward Tucker led BYU with six shots and four on goal, while Colohan had more shots today than she did in her last three games combined, with five shots and three on goal. 

The Cougars finished the game leading in shots on goal with 11 to Virginia’s 4. BYU had 19 shots and two saves, while Virginia had 11 shots and 11 saves.

After a successful 7-1-1 conference season this spring, the Cougars finish their season 11-4-1 overall. BYU will return five of their seniors for the 2021 fall season.