BYU Women’s Soccer Ends Preseason with 1-1 Draw Against Utah Tech
PROVO, UT – In their final preseason exhibition match, the BYU women’s soccer team fought to a 1-1 tie against Utah Tech at South Field on Saturday, August 9, 2025. The Cougars opened the scoring early, with junior Ellie Walbruch converting a penalty kick in the seventh minute, placing the ball in the top left corner for a 1-0 lead.
Despite outshooting the Trailblazers 18-13, BYU struggled to add to their score throughout the match. The Cougars’ opportunities continued in the first half, including a near-miss from Afton Perry, whose shot was blocked, and a saved attempt from Sophie Sivulich. Utah Tech managed just one significant threat during this period, hitting the right goal post in the 40th minute.
With 11 total fouls in the first half—eight by BYU—the Cougars held a slight advantage in shot attempts, leading 9-6. However, possession favored Utah Tech, who maintained the ball 54% of the half.
The Trailblazers equalized in the second half’s 57th minute, with Tessa Thornton striking to the top left corner, making it 1-1. The Cougars pressed for a late winner, generating four corner kicks in the final minutes, and Sivulich had a last-minute shot that sailed high.
The match concluded in a stalemate, leaving BYU with some work to do ahead of their regular season opener. The Cougars will take on No. 24 Minnesota on Thursday at 6 p.m. MST, available via subscription on Big 10+. The exhibition highlighted both potential and areas for improvement as the team gears up for the season.
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