The Utah soccer team’s only two conference losses this season came at the hands of TCU and BYU.
This past weekend at the Mountain West Conference Tournament, the Utes had a chance for redemption against both teams.
After defeating TCU in overtime Thursday, Utah fell short against BYU in the conference championship Saturday, getting shut out by the Cougars 1-0.
“BYU’s team speed was fantastic,” said Utah head coach Rich Manning. “They put a lot of pressure on you every time we tried to create some space. Every time I thought we had something going offensively, they got right back in position to make the plays they needed to make.”
It was a much closer contest than the last time the two sides met. In October, BYU handed Utah a lopsided 5-0 loss. On Saturday, Utah was outshot by the Cougars 19-11. Nine of BYU’s attempts were on target, compared to Utah’s five.
Utah goalie Emalee Rogers was a big part of Utah being able to stay in the game. Rogers made eight saves on the day, five of which came in the scoreless first half.
“I was pleased with how we defended and competed throughout the entire match,” Manning said. “We gave it our best shot and we had two or three good chances but it just didn’t go our way.”
The only goal of the match came less than five minutes into the second half when BYU forward Katie Larkin drilled a low shot from the left side of the box into the right corner to win the tournament.
Just as it had in the regular season, Utah raked in All-Conference honors for its performances in the tournament.
In her final MWC Tournament, senior midfielder Amanda Sanchez was named to the all-tournament squad for her performance in the Utah midfield.
“Amanda has been such a calming presence for us in the midfield,” Manning said. “She showed that again throughout this tournament.”
Junior Kelly Isleib also received conference honors for her attacking presence throughout the tournament. Isleib managed two shots on goal against BYU along with four more against TCU. Sophomore Lauren Hair was also named to the all-tournament team for her assist against TCU as well as for setting up the eventual game-winner in overtime.
“Kelly is great on the ball,” Manning said. “She was just her usual self during this tournament and created a lot of opportunities for us. And Lauren has been great consistently for us the entire season, she was always in the opponent’s penalty box and creating problems.”
Tyler CobbBYUs Dana Oldroyd and Utahs?? Chelsea Forbes go for a ball during their first meeting this season that BYU won 5-0. The teams met again in the conference championship and BYU won again 1-0.