No. 15 BYU downs Pacific 6-1 as offensive barrage continues

PROVO, Utah — Five different BYU players scored goals as No. 15 BYU women's soccer defeated Pacific 6-1 at South Field on Saturday.

In their last seven home games, the Cougars have scored six or more goals in each game (seven goals four times, six goals three times).

BYU leads the NCAA with 4.08 goals per game.

"The girls are really hitting their stride right now," said Jennifer Rockwood, BYU head coach. "Our team is playing with a lot of confidence and a ton of energy. They came out on fire. We knew Pacific was gonna come out strong as well and play out of the back. But, we had a chance to start out with our press right away and that's something that really gets us going."

BYU (8-3-1, 4-0 WCC) finished with 25 shots, including 13 shots on goal, while limiting Pacific to eight shots and three shots on goal. The Cougars finished with 10 assists on their six goals.

First Half

After eight shots in the first 15 minutes, including two on goal by Cameron Tucker, Mikayla Colohan connected at the 14:24 mark to give the Cougars an early 1-0 lead.

Just a minute and a half later, BYU made it 2-0 on a Tucker goal at the 16:06 mark of the half. 

In the 36th minute, Colohan angled a free kick that was saved by Pacific goalkeeper Brenna Crump, leading to a Cougar corner. Olivia Wade’s corner was headed in by Grace Johnson for a 3-0 BYU lead and Johnson’s first goal as a Cougar.

"Grace is the best player in the air on our team, and there's no question," Rockwood said. "She's been really close to scoring on numerous occasions over the years. So, this was a big one for her and it was a fantastic goal from tonight."

"I always try and sit in that pocket in the back post," Johnson said. "Thankfully Olivia played a perfect ball to me. I've had a few chances this year for corners, and I've had four goal-line saves which is very frustrating. So, I am just so glad it went in."

Four minutes following, in the 40th, Rachel McCarthy netted BYU’s fourth goal of the half. 

Another four minutes later, McCarthy sent a cross into the box that was played by Tucker right into the back of the net for a 5-0 first half advantage. 

Second Half

The Tigers got on the board in the 49th minute off a Hunter More goal in the box, making it 5-1.

BYU answered in the 65th minute off another corner kick with Bella Folino, heading in Olivia Smith’s pass for a 6-1 Cougar lead.

Remaining on the attack, BYU had three more corner kicks but would eventually close out the game with the 6-1 win.

Next up, the Cougars will travel to California to take on San Francisco on Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. PDT. The game will be broadcast on the BYU Sports Network/BYU Radio 107.9 FM/BYU Cougars App.