South Field plays host to Rebels, Aztecs

PROVO -- A week after scoring five goals against in-state rival Utah, the Cougars will be back in action when they face MWC forces UNLV on Thursday, Oct. 9 at 7:00 p.m., and San Diego State on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 8:00 p.m. Both games will be played at South Field.

BYU outscored their opponents 7-0 last week, including a resounding 5-0 defeat of Utah. Two time All-American senior Katie Larkin had a strong week, scoring twice against Utah. Freshman forward Lauren Anderson had a goal and an assist in each game, and was named as the MWC Offensive player of the week for her efforts. Freshman keeper McKinzie Olson did not allow a goal and finished with five saves on the week. Sophomore goalie Aleena Shelton played in the second half in each game, and recorded eight saves in 62 minutes.

UNLV comes into South Field 3-1 in its last four games, including a win over San Diego State. The Rebels are led by Ashleigh Shoughro, a sophomore forward who has seven goals and four assists in 2008. Rebel goalkeepers Alicia Lugo and Nicole Adams have only allowed 12 goals on the season, for a team 0.90 goals against average. The Rebels were picked to finish second in the Mountain West Conference preseason coaches poll.

Sophomore midfielder Cat Walker leads San Diego State with four goals in twelve games. SDSU has been out shot by its opponents 142-140. Junior forwards Heather Vandervater and Jessica Gordon have both scored three times. The Aztecs are 4-6-2 in 2008, and are 1-2-1 in their last four games.

Live stat feeds will be available for both games at www.byucougars.com/soccer_w/. Fans will be able to get in to the New Mexico game for $1 with their ticket stub from the BYU-New Mexico Football game. At Thursday’s game, students can show their id and receive a free soda with the purchase of two hot dogs.

Fans can join the official BYU Women’s Soccer Texting group by texting the word “WSOC” to 83043. Members of the group will get updates about game times and special promotions.