Not only has the first-year Bruin coach compiled a 10-3 overall record and 6-1 mark in Region 8 play, he’s doing as much while coaching two of his daughters; Raegan and Brielle Steed, both of whom play prominent roles on this year’s team.

“I told my wife the other day that I don’t think there’s been anything in my life that’s been more fun,” Spencer Steed said. “Having my daughters be a part of this journey we’re taking here at Mountain View that has a great tradition is an opportunity I couldn’t be happier to have.”

Spencer Steed remarked as much following his team’s 3-0 win over Uintah on Tuesday, the same team that dealt the Bruins their latest loss back on August 28. Since taking that 2-2 loss in a shootout Mountain has rolled, taking five straight wins by a combined 23-5 scoring margin, setting forth marked improvements with every game played.

It’s the sort of strides one would expect from the remarkably young team full of the talented freshmen that the Bruins march out on to the field during most games. Key freshmen include Brielle Steed, Leah Olsen, Savannah Jett and Callie Bryan who combine with sophomore and junior standouts, such as Zoey Floyd, Cali Willis and Eden Peterson, among several others, in providing top play on the pitch.

Brandon Gurney, Provo Daily Herald

But in Tuesday’s win it was again senior Molly Yeates again taking center stage, much as she has all season.

Yeates scored two of her team’s three goals on the evening, although Spencer Steed asserted her biggest contributions were made elsewhere.

“Her goals were great, sure, but it was mostly her control on the field that changed the game,” he said. “The way she controls the ball in the midfield sucks (opposing defenders) in and creates a ton of space. I’m glad she scored, but it’s mostly her control that allows us to play as composed as we did today and without her we wouldn’t be near the team that we are.”

Sure, Yeates play on the field has been exemplary, but it’s perhaps what she does off the field that has impressed Spencer Steed most.

“She’s honestly the perfect senior for our young team,” he said. “She’s kind to the girls. Sure, she challenges them, but she does it in a very positive way. She’s always been a great player, but she’s really having her best year, by far.”

Brandon Gurney, Provo Daily Herald

Yeates’ first goal came during the game’s 28th minute and was aided significantly by Floyd, who unleashed a high quality free kick that was deflected by Uintah’s goalkeeper right to where Yeates positioned herself. The senior midfielder wasted little time, booting the ball into an open net to give the Bruins an early 1-0 lead.

“Zoey set it up perfect for me. She hit it very hard and I just happened to be there in the right spot,” Yeates said. “Zoey is such a big part of our team in holding the back line. She doesn’t let anything get past her and sets us up all the team. She’s great and I love playing with her.”

Yeates’ second goal came off a corner kick, which glanced off a Uintah defender and into the goal during the game’s 47th minute. Topping off the scoring was Bryan, showing off some nifty dribbling through traffic to clear herself for an open shot that found the back of the net during the 53rd minute of the win.

“We’re getting better every week, I think, and it’s just time on the ball,” Spencer Steed said. “We’re young, but we don’t lack intensity or time on the ball. I love where our team is at today. We need to make sure we keep improving, but I love the attitude and the progress we’ve shown throughout the year and I really believe the sky is the limit here for Mountain View for this year and in the future.”

As mentioned, the Bruins improved to 10-3 on the season after Tuesday’s win and will next travel to take on Summit Academy before finishing out the regular season with a game hosting Orem and a game at Provo.

Brandon Gurney, Provo Daily Herald

Mountain View Midfielder Jillian Konold

Mountain View's Mary Fishbein

Mountain View defender Channing Peterson battles for possession

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