The University of Arizona soccer team (7-8, 2-5 in Big 12) lost 3-2 against BYU in an away matchup on Thursday night, Oct. 16, in Provo, Utah.
This marks the Wildcats fourth consecutive loss. However, they were able to find the net two times, their first look at a goal since Sept. 28, when they faced Oklahoma State University.
First half
The Wildcats looked strong coming into the game, controlling possession and finding opportunities at goal from Narissa Fults and Jessica Bedolla.
This play continued until the Cougars were able to find their footing on the pitch. Ellie Walbruch, junior forward, found two goals in the first half, changing the trajectory of the matchup to 2-0 in favor of BYU.
This allowed BYU to advance into the lead heading into the second half. However, Arizona maintained offensive efforts with 2-of-7 shots on goal, compared to the Cougar’s 2-of-6 shots on goal.
The Wildcats also tallied three corner kicks, pairing with seven fouls on the half. Arizona has seen a physical season so far and has put forth the same physicality against BYU.
Arizona struggled with first touches, often rolling into turnovers at the Cougars feet, causing the Wildcats to turn to a chase in an attempt to get the ball back.
Heading into the second half, the Wildcats were urgent in securing a goal to put them back in the game and in reach of a win.
“We matched up well with the difference in formations. I think we managed that well as long as we were pressing and working. As soon as we kind of backed off and gave them space I think that played into their advantages and their formation shape,” Head coach Becca Moros said. “So, we need to push. We need to run, and we need to not stop running and chasing the whole half.”
Second half
Entering the second half, the Wildcats knew they needed offensive opportunities to stay in the game. The Cougars came out hot and pressed down the field into the final third, keeping Arizona defense on their toes.
Arizona’s Olivia Ramey made a crucial stop against Walbruch as she attempted to find her third goal of the match.
In response, the Wildcats found their way down the field with service from the left corner from Fultz to Bedolla who tucked the ball into the right corner of the goal. This cut the Cougars’ lead in half and advanced Arizona into a 1-0 position.
In transition, BYU moved down the right flank and found Walbruch who hit a shot going just outside of the frame, earning a corner kick which ultimately led to Arizona possession.
The Wildcats did their best to clear the ball in dangerous opportunities from the Cougars, trying to build the ball from the back. BYU didn’t shy down and continued to fire at Ramey in goal.
Off of a cross from Fultz on the right side of the field, Lily Boydstun made a run into the box and struck the ball into the top right corner of the net, equalizing the game and earning Fultz her second assist of the game.
Following the goal, the Cougars were able to hold possession for a long period, earning several corners and looks at goals. Arizona struggled to keep the ball in the middle of the field which led to further opportunities for BYU in transition.
After numerous attempts, Walbruch scored her third goal of the game, earning herself a hat-trick off a low cross from the left corner. This put BYU back in the lead at 3-2.
Arizona spent a majority of the final minutes chasing as the Cougars passed the ball and worked it around the field. With just ten minutes remaining, both teams started to show exhaustion in their play, struggling to find connecting passes and offensive efforts all across the pitch dying down.
In the last minute of play, Arizona had a corner kick opportunity to secure a final goal of the match but ultimately weren’t able to find their footing in the box. This closed out the game 3-2, a win for the Cougars.
Looking ahead
Wildcat soccer will return home to host No. 12 Texas Tech University (10-1-2, 4-0-2 in Big 12) on Sunday, Oct. 19, at noon at Mulcahy Stadium.
