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BYU's Phillips, Thomas Net Goals in Tie
The Cougars scored quick goals to open up both halves of action, despite ending in a 2-2 draw with San Diego State.
Oct. 12, 2006 PROVO, Utah - No. 15 BYU played some of its best soccer of the season, scoring quick goals to open up both halves of action, despite ending in a 2-2 draw with San Diego State Thursday evening at South Stadium. The tie brings the Cougars to 10-2-2 on the season and 1-1-1 in conference play. The Aztecs now stand at 5-7-2 and 1-0-2. "We played some of the best soccer we've played all year," head coach Jennifer Rockwood said. "With 19 shots and 10 corners, we would have hoped for better results, but I'm very proud of our team. We had great movement, knocked the ball around and pushed forward. We're showing a lot of improvement as the season progresses." BYU got on board first in 3:31 seconds into the game, which is the fastest goal scored by the Cougars this season. Katie Larkin received the ball 40 yards out, spun around two Aztec defenders, split another set and then hit Jenavieve Phillips on the left side. Phillips took a touch and shot a left-footer to the far post, hitting the post and bouncing in, marking her first goal of the season. Less than a minute later SDSU scored off a lucky bounce. Cat Walker brought the ball down the left side and took a shot at Erika Woodbury, who bobbled the ball off her chest. Haylee Cuthbert tried to clear the ball, but it went right into the chest of teammate Andrea Willis. Jen Mello was in the right place at the right time to tap in the goal. The final goal of the half came with 5:08 left to play when Mello drove the ball down the right side of the field and crossed the ball to Heather Vandevanter, who volleyed it in. Despite outshooting SDSU 12-3 in the first half, the Aztecs shot an astounding 67 percent. BYU again came out strong to begin the second period of play. Just 39 seconds into the half, Fellows got the ball 25 yards out. She cleared the ball back a step to Claire Thomas who tried to play the ball. It finally bounced off an SDSU defender back to Thomas who one-touched it into the goal. Although neither team would score the through two overtime periods, the Cougars dominated the field and had multiple opportunities to score. BYU's two best opportunities came in consecutive minutes. In the 72nd minute, Larkin took a direct kick from 25 yards out that hit the bottom of the crossbar. There was a scramble in the box and the ball was eventually cleared. One minute later, Jessica Aquino beat the Aztec defender and kicked the ball toward the opposite post. SDSU keeper Cat Burson had to make a diving snatch. One more inch to the right would have resulted in a Cougar goal. On the night, BYU took 19 shots, including 13 shots on goal, while the Aztecs had just six shots and four on goal. The Cougars forced Burson to make 10 saves on the game. The Cougars also earned 10 corner kicks to SDSU's one. BYU faces Air Force on Saturday at South Stadium. Kick off is set for 7 p.m.
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