Provo, UT –
What better way to finish off the regular season than a victory at home in front of fifth consecutive sold out crowd of 4,683.
No. 7 BYU women’s soccer defeated UCF (9-6-1, 5-4-1) in their final home game 3-2.
The Cougars would honor 11 players on senior night:
- Jaime Sheppard
- Brecken Mozingo
- Olivia Wade-Katoa
- Rachel McCarthy
- Bella Folino
- Laveni Vaka
- Kendall Peterson
- Ellie Boren
- Olivia Smith-Grifiitts
- Zoe Jacobs
- Savanna Mason
https://twitter.com/byusoccer_w/status/1716612390442389659
Four of those seniors have appeared at least 90 times wearing a BYU (14-1-3, 7-0-3) uniform.
One of those seniors would be midfielder and co-captain Jaime Sheppard.
After Monday’s match Sheppard became the first player to appear in 100 games as BYU Cougar.
While Sheppard’s stats might don’t pop off paper the fifth year Senior is one of the propsect in the upcoming 2024 NWSL draft.
The American Fork, Utah native has had quiet the career in the blue and white uniform. Sheppard is not only an All-American, but alsp a three time United Soccer Coaches All-West Region First Team.
Sheppard recorded the 15th assist of her career, and second of the year in Monday night match against the Knights.
Senior Olivia Wade Kaota would also scored seventh goal of the 2023 season in the 20th minute to give BYU 2-0 lead.
Olivia Katoa gets one on senior night!!
📺 https://t.co/bOr9diqYkr pic.twitter.com/CSBSU79usJ
— BYU Women's Soccer (@byusoccer_w) October 24, 2023
Senior Breceken Mozingo added herself to score sheet as well with a goal and adding assist in her final regular season game on South Field in Provo, Utah.
“That goal actually ends up begin the match winner. It was huge” were the words Assistant Coach Brent Anderson used to described Mozingo’s goal. Thought there was little bit back and forth, and that they had take over the possession. For Brecken to get that goal at that moment, it deflated them.”
Mozingo’s goal would ultimately be the game winner, which came in right before the half ended in the 43rd minute.
Brandon Stevis, the referee for Monday nights match, would have some questionable calls in the second half that went in favor of the Knights. BYU was called for seven second half fouls. One of those questionable foul calls lead to a late pentalty kick from forward Mia Asenjo in the 80th minute.
BYU now prepares for the Sprouts Farmer’s Market Big 12 Soccer Champiionship in Red Rock, Texas. The Cougars will be the second seed in the tournament and have earned a first round bye. They will open play in the quarterfinals taking on the winner of No. 7 seed Oklahoma State or No. 10 Oklahoma on October 30th at 5:30 CT. The game will be live on ESPN +
