Emma Peterson launched a free kick from 40 yards out midway through the second overtime Thursday, and the ball deflected in off the Brighton keeper's hands to give No. 1 Olympus a 2-1 win over No. 2 Brighton in the Region 6 girls soccer opener at Olympus High School in Holladay.
The result handed the Bengals their first loss of 2026 and extended Olympus's winning streak over its crosstown rival to five straight matches.
"I've practiced that a lot, and so it's just routine for me now, just hitting those balls," Peterson told the Deseret News after the match. "I feel like I've hit those this season, so that confidence kind of rose in me, and I feel like I needed to step up as a leader for our team."
Peterson, a Michigan commit, has scored on a set piece in all three Olympus wins this season. The Titans improved to 5-1 overall.
Brighton struck first
Brighton's Addison Despain opened the scoring in the 20th minute, finishing a cross near the far post with a tap into the open net. The Bengals, who entered with five shutouts in five preseason matches, held that 1-0 lead deep into the second half.
Olympus finally broke through in the 77th minute when Annika Speery ripped a shot from about 25 yards that dipped just under the crossbar to level the score.
Long-range plan
Peterson said Brighton's midfield dominated possession and won the 50-50 balls, forcing Olympus to bypass the middle and go direct. Both Titans goals came from outside the 18-yard box.
Olympus head coach Jamie Evans said possession through the midfield remains a work in progress early in the season but credited her players for finding a way to win with long-range efforts. The game was played under the lights in notable heat, with players on both sides cramping during the extended match.
"There's something about these girls willing to battle on both sides, it's just incredible to watch," Evans said.
Rivalry tilts toward Olympus
The win continued a dominant stretch for the Titans in the series. Olympus has eliminated Brighton from the state playoffs in each of the past two seasons, and Brighton was shut out in all three meetings between the teams a year ago.
Brighton entered Thursday with a perfect preseason record. The Bengals' next Region 6 matchup has not been announced.
