BYU Women’s Soccer battles back to draw at Santa Clara

After conceding a second goal in the 34th minute and finding themselves down 0-2, BYU’s perfect record appeared to be ending.

Until Saturday’s match at Santa Clara, BYU only trailed for 36 minutes on the season. The Cougars had not trailed by more than one, and their resolve was tested by the Broncos. The two preseason favorites have exchanged results in previous seasons, but BYU had never won at Santa Clara, posting a poor 0-6-2 record leading into Saturday’s match.

But the Cougars showed their resolve and fight, and found their spark through Ashton Brockbank in the 42nd minute. A loose ball in the box was not cleared by Santa Clara, and Brockbank pounced and finished the chance for the Cougars to bring them within one.

The Cougars were energized going into halftime, and came out with that same energy.

The Cougars fired several shots in the opening minutes of the second half, and BYU’s energy finally paid off again in the 68th minute, with Cameron Tucker finishing an Elise Flake pass to equalize.

The last twenty minutes was intense, with both teams creating opportunities, but neither finishing their chances. With the game at a 2-2 draw, the teams went into overtime, BYU’s first of the season.

The Cougars dominated possession and controlled the play around the Broncos penalty area, but couldn’t find the winning goal. With the 2-2 draw, the Cougars remain undefeated but drop points in conference play. The Cougars have yet to win at Santa Clara, having lost six times with three additional draws.

The Cougars tough start to conference play isn’t over, as they host Pepperdine on Wednesday at South Field. The Cougars are ranked fourth in the United Soccer Coaches Poll.