BYU Soccer's Thrilling Victory: Eliminating UCLA on Penalties!
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A Stunning Round of 16 Berth for BYU Soccer
BYU women's soccer etched their name in the NCAA Tournament history books once again, securing a spot in the Round of 16 with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over UCLA. The Cougars' resilience and determination shone through in a hard-fought match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The Match Recap: A Battle of West Coast Titans
The game, played at Stanford's Cagan Stadium, saw a tense 1-1 draw after 110 minutes of play. UCLA, the fourth-seeded team, dominated possession, out-shooting BYU 27-17. However, BYU's goalkeeper, Chelsea Peterson, proved to be a formidable barrier, making six crucial saves. The Cougars, the fifth seed, managed to put nine of their shots on target, showcasing their efficiency despite fewer opportunities.
First Half Stalemate
The first half ended scoreless, with UCLA controlling the flow of the game. While the Bruins doubled BYU's shot attempts, the Cougars managed to put three of their four shots on frame. UCLA, on the other hand, only managed to get eight of their 27 shots on target.
Summers-Oviatt Breaks the Ice
The deadlock was broken in the 72nd minute when Mattyn Summers-Oviatt headed in a ball lofted into the penalty area by Halle Dixon. The goal, Summers-Oviatt's fourth of the season, gave BYU a crucial 1-0 lead.
UCLA Responds
UCLA responded swiftly, with Emma Egizii equalizing in the 81st minute. Following a blocked shot by Avery Frischknecht, Egizii pounced on the rebound, firing a laser past the BYU defense to tie the score and force extra time.
Chelsea Peterson: The Shootout Hero
The game ultimately went to a penalty shootout, and it was Chelsea Peterson who stole the show. The former Utah goalkeeper, who transferred to BYU after an 18-month mission and hadn't started a game until the postseason, saved two penalties, mirroring her performance in the previous shootout against Utah State. Mackenzee Vance, Izzi Stratton, and Halle Dixon also converted their penalties, securing a 4-2 victory for BYU.
Looking Ahead: Round of 16 Showdown
BYU will now face either top-seeded Stanford or eighth-seeded Alabama in the Round of 16 on Monday at 2 p.m. MST. This marks the 10th Round of 16 appearance in 31 seasons under head coach Jennifer Rockwood, and the fourth time in the past five years that BYU has advanced this far.
BYU's Postseason Journey
This victory continues BYU's impressive postseason run. After winning the program's first tournament title in three years in Fort Worth and Waco, Texas, the Cougars have demonstrated remarkable grit and determination, navigating three games in five days and winning two shootouts along the way. You can learn more about BYU's athletic programs at https://aisoft.app/betting.
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