No. 1 BYU Women’s Soccer matched its season high in goals defeating in-state rival Utah 6-1 on Saturday night at Ute Field in Salt Lake City, Utah behind two braces from Allie Fryer and Olivia Smith-Griffits.
Smith-Griffits scored her first career brace on Saturday night in the 53rd and 64th minute.
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“It’s awesome, I actually used to play center-mid growing up, so it was fun to score a goal again. I haven’t done that in a while” were the words Olivia used regarding her brace.
Smith-Griffits primary role on this BYU team is being a defender, and a good one for that matter. The last goal Smith-Griffits scored was in the 2021-22 season.
“Kyle is a little bit dramatic. No Kyle is our hype guy, and it’s so fun….It means the world. I’m from Idaho and my parents drive to Utah for every single home game and they fly to every away game. They always bring their support and they are my favorite people.” Smith-Griffits talked about how important it is having her husband and parents supporting her during the season.
Allie Fryer recorded her second career brace at Ute field. Fryer gave the Cougars a 1-0 lead in the 4th minute. The assist from Senior midfielder Brecken Mozingo as would Fryer received the cross and beat her defender one-on-one in the penalty box.
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BYU added two more goals in the 25th and 32nd minutes. The first one coming from Olivia Wade-Katoa, who scored her fifth goal of the season, and the other coming from Rachel McCarthy.
McCarthy, just like her first goal against UCLA, took her shot from 25-yard out giving the Ute goalkeeper no chance.
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“Absolutely, Absolutely. We know she can hit those bangers. It’s fun for her to do that. She is getting some good minutes and giving us some quality opportunities. Her speed and athleticism, then obviously she can hit that nice shot” is what Head Coach Jennifer Rockwood had to say about Rachel McCarthy’s goal.
The Utes would capitalise on a poor defensive clearance from BYU in the 36th minute, which led to a penalty kick.
Utah forward Katie O’Kane drew a foul from Olivia Smith and would convert on the penalty kick.
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BYU came fiery in the second half scoring three goals in 15 minutes, and put the game away to stay undefeated on the season.
BYU has now outscored in-state opponents 12 to 2 in just seven days.
The Cougars open up conference play Thursday night, September 14th against TCU at South Field in Provo, UT. Kick-off is scheduled for 7pm MDT. The game will be streamed live on ESPN +
