High school soccer: Springville halts OT jinx on Elizabeth Hopkins’ golden goal against Timpview

On Thursday, October 1, 2026, Springville High School's soccer team defied their long-standing overtime jinx by securing a 2-1 victory over Timpview Thunderbirds in a thrilling match at Springville High School. The turning point came in the final minute of the first overtime when sophomore defender Elizabeth Hopkins demonstrated her diving header skills, scoring the game-winning goal and sending the Red Devils into celebration.

Springville coach Todd Hollingshead had incorporated diving headers into practice earlier in the week, acknowledging the rarity of such an opportunity in a game. Hoping to enhance a rarely used skill, the drill turned into a source of fun and team bonding. It was this very skill that Hopkins employed to seal the win, diving headfirst to head Sarah Penrod's corner kick into the goal.

This was Hopkins' first goal of the season, helping Springville break their 7-game losing streak in overtime and shootouts. Coming into the game with a 4-6 record in those scenarios this season, the Red Devils had struggled to break through. However, Hopkins' golden goal helped the Red Devils continue their strong form heading into the final game of the regular season, having won four of their last five matches.