Brighton High School girls soccer exceeded expectations on the pitch this season. The preseason coaches’ poll left Brighton off the “teams to beat” list. Yet, through the 20-game season, they entered the 5A finals game with only a single loss having defeated each of the listed “teams to beat.” 

They dominated opponents scoring 57 goals and allowing only 17 goals in their own nets. In fact, Lilah Sligting, the sophomore goalkeeper, notched 11 of those games as shutouts. “We have a very talented and driven group of young ladies who strive for excellence in all facets of life,” notes fifth-year head coach Sara Cowley.

Brighton girls soccer is a storied program that boasts seven state championships. Yet the program had not been to the state finals since 2013. Cowley has systematically built the program over the last five years to take demonstrative steps each year. 2023 was a final four finish. This year was a trip to the 5A finals. 

The program supports four full teams: varsity, JV, two freshman/sophomore teams. “We always love interacting with the community and had a blast at our third annual Bengal soccer mini-camp. We also begin the season with a team service project helping to end child hunger here in our own community, packing food bags out at the amazing USANA Kids Eat program headquarters. Those two things always get us off to a great start,” Cowley said. 

With the mantra “The strength of our team is the team,” the 2024 team was focused on getting better each day. Practices and games were intentional and focused on helping each player understand her role and how to use the talent and skills in the group to become the best team. The process allowed for breakout performances by senior Paige Christensen (14 goals, 3 assists), junior Oakley Zenger (10 goals, 5 assists) and senior Jane Allen (6 goals, 15 assists).

The lone regular season Brighton loss came early against Olympus. The schedule allows a home and an away game for each region opponent. When Olympus came to Brighton’s home pitch, the loss was avenged giving Olympus its only loss for the season. Thus, Brighton and Olympus shared the Region 6 championship and entered the postseason state tournament on opposite ends of the bracket as the second and first seeds. The two rivals were destined to meet for a third time.

Brighton earned home pitch advantage through the first rounds of the state playoffs and moved the venue to the bright lights of Brighton’s Freestone Field. The stadium afforded them two more shutouts against Alta and Wasatch. The shutouts continued in the semifinal game at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman where senior Emry Stott scored the game-winner in the 54th minute directly from a corner kick. “Emry is a competitor, that girl brings it every day,” Cowley said. “If you want someone with a competitive spirit who’s going to fight, even in practice if it’s a drill, she’s going at it 100%. She takes it seriously. I’m just so happy she had success in the playoffs.” That improbable corner kick sent Brighton back to the finals.

It was a crisp October morning when Brighton and Olympus met for a third and decisive time to determine a state champion. Sligting sealed the nets for another shutout in 100 minutes of regular time and two overtime periods against Olympus’ star Hope Munson who came into the finals with a league-leading 25 goals and 15 assists. The state championship came down to penalty kicks where Olympus finally got the edge on Brighton 4-2. 

“The most impressive part was how the players grew together as the season went—the team was the star,” coach Cowley said. “The defensive effort displayed in the playoffs, and state final especially, was inspiring. Coaching this group has been a highlight of my career so far. I will always remember this 2024 team as being full of talent. I am proud of all that was accomplished this year in the Brighton girls soccer program. Looking forward to next season!”