Cougars net five in second half, beat Lobos 6-0 in NCAA first round

PROVO, Utah — No. 4 BYU women's soccer poured on five second-half goals as they defeated New Mexico 6-0 in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament at South Field on Saturday.

It was the eighth time that the Cougars have scored six or more goals this season and seventh time that they’ve done so in Provo. 

"What a fun night for us, for our seniors and for our fans,” said BYU head coach Jennifer Rockwood. "Congratulations to New Mexico, they had a fantastic season and really made it challenging for us, especially in that first half defensively. I'm really proud of the team. I'm happy for our staff and everybody that's a part of it. It was just a great game tonight."

BYU totaled 41 shots to UNM's four, including 13 shots on goals to the Lobo's one. Five different Cougars scored goals, including Brecken Mozingo, who netted two of BYU's five goals in the final 45 minutes.

First Half

After a scoreless 35 minutes in which BYU outshot New Mexico 13-1, the Cougars got on the board in the 36th. Lobo goalkeeper Emily Johnson came out to help clear a ball, but it got away from New Mexico and Cameron Tucker led it into the net for a 1-0 lead.

The goal put Tucker ahead of Elise Flake and into sixth all-time in school history with 41 career goals. 

Second Half

BYU remained on the attack early in the second half and benefitted from a Mozingo goal in the 53rd minute to go ahead 2-0. It was her first goal since scoring twice at Gonzaga on Oct. 2. 

Just minutes later, in the 55th, Mozingo netted a line drive from nearly the same spot as her first goal, giving the Cougars a 3-0 advantage.

Jamie Shepherd followed up Mozingo’s two with a goal of her own, her first of the season, putting BYU up 4-0 in the 64th minute. 

In the 69th, Kendell Petersen put a cross in the box that ricocheted off a New Mexico player’s heel in for an own goal and 5-0 Cougar lead.

Ellie Maughan then connected in the 71st for BYU's third goal in a matter of seven minutes to lead 6-0.

The Cougars will head to Charlottesville, Virginia for a matchup with Alabama in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament. Game time and broadcast details will be announced at a later date.