Utah Soccer Falls to BYU, 2-1, in Provo

Monday, September 23

Provo, UT

7 p.m.

University of Utah

4-4-2, 1-2-0

BYU

4-4-2, 2-1-0

Team	1	2	Final F
Utah	0	1	1
BYU	0	2	2

9/23/2024 10:48 PM | Soccer

Box Score

Katie O’Kane scores her fifth goal this season

PROVO, Utah – The University of Utah women's soccer team battled to the end before falling to conference rival Brigham Young University, 2-1, on Monday evening at South Field.

Adrenaline was high between the Beehive state rivals, as the first half got off to a shaky start, both teams struggling to keep their footing on the field.

The Utes and the Cougars had a slow offensive first half, both teams tallying one shot each in the first half and hitting the 45-mark tied at 0-0.

"I want to give credit to BYU for playing with so much energy for the entire 90 minutes," said head coach Hideki Nakada, "I felt the game was even for 2/3 of the match, but we lost control when we needed it most."

In the 57^th minute, the Cougars capitalized on a corner kick to put the first score on the board.

Senior forward Katie O'Kane broke through two BYU defenders to steal the ball in the 63^rd minute and with a shot into the right side of the net, O'Kane leveled out the game, 1-1.

The Cougars reach the net again in the 83^rd minute after returning a Utah goal kick, creating a 2-1 deficit.

"It's been a challenge to stay healthy," said Nakada. "We need to get players back, but we have to make things easier for ourselves by taking care of the ball as we are so much better on the ball than we showed tonight."

Graduate striker Taliana Kaufusi pushed level the game, but was shut down each time, keeping the Cougars ahead through the end of the game.

Senior Kasey Wardle spent all ninety minutes in the net and hit new season highs with eight saves and 17 shots faced.

"We are looking forward to being back home on Thursday night," said Nakada.

Next Up
Utah pushes through its three-game week, hosting Iowa State back at home on Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. at Ute Field.

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