Undefeated No. 14 BYU Brings Home Win
FULLERTON -- The No. 14 BYU Cougars secured their 3-0 victory just four minutes into the game on Friday against Cal State Fullerton on the road to keep their 2010 season undefeated.
"One of our goals this season is to be able to come out strong at the beginning of a game," said BYU head coach Jennifer Rockwood. "We want to see how quickly we can put pressure on our opponents. Today we were able to do that and get a couple of early goals."
Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Week Kassidy Shumway, as announced earlier today, netted BYU's first goal of the contest after just four minutes of action for her second consecutive game to score BYU's game-winner. Shumway finished the game with three shots for BYU.
Five minutes later, teammate forward Jennie Marshall added a security goal with a cross that bounced in the net after deflecting off the post.
"We knew it was going to be hot today but we were still able to get out there quickly and play our best," Rockwood said. "Our three forwards were on and dangerous today with Kassidy and Jennie putting up some great goals."
The Titans found themselves playing catch-up for most of the first half but attempted some good shots on goal to try and even out the game. Nikki McCants and Kaitlyn Mendoza led Cal State with one shot each, in the game.
Junior goalkeeper McKinzie Olson tallied her second consecutive shut-out game and another full 90 minutes of play. The win was Olson's 23rd career shutout.
With just eight minutes to play in the game, midfielder Jessica Ringwood sealed the deal with BYU's third goal, a left-footed bullet from the top of the box that went right through Titan goalie Jordan Santos' hands. Ringwood also recorded the only assist in the game, a pass to Shumway for the first goal.
The Cougars finished the game out-shooting the Titans 10 to two.
"We can certainly take away a few things from today's game and get ready for our home game on Friday," Rockwood said. "We're excited to get back home and play in front of our fans."
The Cougars will play at South Field on Friday against Weber State to defend their undefeated all-time 11-0 home record against them. The game is set for a 7 p.m. start.