BYU wins 3-1 over USF on the road

SAN FRANCISCO — No. 12 BYU women's soccer defeated San Francisco 3-1 amidst steady rainfall at Negoesco Stadium on Wednesday to remain undefeated in the West Coast Conference.

The Cougars have scored 28 goals in conference play, and have only allowed three from their WCC opponents, in the five games.

“Our mantra is to score first and score early, so we knew we had to come out strong,” said Jennifer Rockwood, BYU head coach. “To secure a WCC win on the road is tough because all the teams play a lot harder at home. But, we got out to a great start. We could have managed the game a little bit better in the second half. Other than that, we are looking forward to our next game at home this weekend.”

BYU (10-3-1, 5-0 WCC) finished with 23 shots, seven shots-on-goal and four saves. BYU’s three goals tonight are the most scored by a San Francisco opponent this season.

First Half

BYU captured the first goal of the match in the fourth minute off a cross from Cameron Tucker to Bella Folino. It was Folino’s 20th career goal.

"I think that was the wettest game I have ever played in my career," said Folino. "I normally score in the second half, so that was a big relief to get one in the first couple minutes. Cam had the ball and I saw her, so I was booking it to get in the box and then I put it in. I couldn't do it without my teammates."

San Francisco’s Elle Soleau sent a header toward the top-center of the net, but BYU goalkeeper Cassidy Smith snagged the save in the 15th minute.

Rachel McCarthy sent a ball in the 30th minute, though it kicked back off the crossbar, only inches away from a second goal for the Cougars.

In the 35th minute, Caroline Stringfellow was on her way to a shot-on-goal, but the ball got deflected. Swiftly, Mikayla Colohan took control of the loose ball and took a stab at it, and eventually found the back of the net after a second attempt to take the lead to 2-0. It was her 47th career goal to tie Ashley Hatch for fourth all-time at BYU.

At the half, the Cougars had 11 shots over San Francisco’s four. Also, both teams had three shots-on-goal apiece.

Second Half

The Cougars came out firing in the second half, with a goal from Tucker 10 seconds into the half. San Francisco answered with a goal by Marissa Vasquez only 15 seconds later at the 45:25 minute mark.

Grace Johnson took a free kick in the 65th minute, and sent a 45-yard bullet to the top-middle of the net, but the ball was nicked by the USF goalkeeper.

The Dons had a chance with two minutes left in the match on a penalty kick, but Catherine Hill sailed the ball over the crossbar. 

The rest of the half would remain goalless, with the two goals in the opening 46th minute as the only scores on the board.

Next up, the Cougars will host Loyola Marymount on Saturday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. MDT. The game will be streamed on byutv.org and the BYUTv app and will be broadcast on the BYU Sports Network/BYU Radio 107.9 FM/BYU Cougars App.