BYU Women’s Soccer beats Gonzaga 3-0 in final road match

#4 BYU women’s soccer beat the Gonzaga Bulldogs 3-0 Wednesday night in Spokane as the Cougars moved to just one point away from another WCC Title.

Gonzaga, coached by former BYU men’s coach and women’s associate coach Chris Watkins, threatened the Cougars early, but the Cougars would settle into the match and begin to take control. BYU created several chances, but it wasn’t until the 25th minute that the Cougars would get their opener. Freshman Jamie Shepherd would connect on the end of a Elise Flake cross and notch her first goal as a Cougar. Shepherd’s role as a holding midfielder often goes unnoticed, but Shepherd’s contributions to the team have been significant on the season.

It wouldn’t take long for Flake to add her own, striking a banger across the box into the side netting in the 36th minute. The goal is her 17th on the season, improving on an already impressive tally.

Mikayla Colohan would add one of her own in the 39th minute, putting a deflected shot just beyond the reach of Zags goalkeeper Isabel Jones.

BYU would take the 3-0 lead into half, and would hold the Zags scoreless throughout the second half to finish the match 3-0. Shepherd would be taken off after an apparent ankle injury, and Cassidy Smith would sub on for goalkeeper Sabrina Davis after Davis picked up a knock, although Davis’ substitution appeared precautionary. The Cougars are now 12-0 all-time against Gonzaga.

BYU needs just one point to secure a share of the WCC Title, with a win securing the title outright. BYU will close out the regular season on Saturday night at South Field at 8 p.m. against 4-11-2 Loyola Marymount. It will be Senior Night at South Field, as BYU honors seven seniors.