BYU women's soccer: Cougars win opener

UC Santa Barbara came out fast against the favored BYU women's soccer team in an attempt to play spoiler in the first round of the NCAA College Cup on Thursday.

However, after a few shaky minutes to start, the Cougars conquered their nerves and eventually the Gauchos, 2-0, to advance to the field of 32 in women's soccer at Stanford.

BYU's constant pressure wore down Santa Barbara. The Gauchos (9-10-3), Big West champions, outshot the Cougars in the first half and forced six corner kicks.

In the second half, BYU (18-3-2) forced five corners of its own and wound up outshooting UCSB 21-11. The Cougars put 12 shots on frame with Alyssa Vander Veur scoring in the 38th minute from just inside the 18-yard box.

A Santa Barbara own goal, forced by BYU pressure, in the 12th minute turned out to be the game winner.

"We did an awesome job of putting pressure up front," Vander Veur said. "I was able to put [the ball] on net."

For the second straight season, BYU advanced to the round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament. Either Northern Arizona or undefeated and No. 1 Stanford stands in the way of the Cougars qualifying for the Sweet 16. The game is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday.

"It doesn't matter who we play," BYU coach Jennifer Rockwood said. "But it's a great opportunity to play the No. 1 team in the country."

Although the Cougars, ranked between 20 and No. 9 depending on the soccer poll, were favored, they had to fight

a case of jitters. Goalkeeper McKinzie Olson had to make an athletic save in the opening minutes.

"We didn't get off to the start we wanted," said Rockwood, surprised at her team's opening nerves. "You never know how a team will react. But it is a big game. Maybe the seniors were thinking about it being their last."

BYU worked itself back into the flow. Forward Carlee Payne, the Cougars' leading scorer, didn't put a ball into the net. Her pressure on the UCSB defense, however, led to a poor clearance, which caromed off a Gaucho defender and into the net.

In the final 30 minutes of play, BYU could have added two or three more goals. Substitute Jennie Marshall put several shots on goal. Only the play of Santa Barbara's keeper Tammy Lenhan, who made 10 saves, kept the game close.

"We had great minutes off the bench," Rockwood said. "Marshall and Auna [Janis] came in and had great pressure.

"In the second half we continued to battle. I'm so proud of the girls. Hopefully we found some confidence."