In Matthew 5:44 of the King James Bible, Jesus says “but I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”.

In the Lord’s locker rooms on BYU campus, this isn’t counsel that many teams take lightly. It is common practice for BYU players to pray for their opponents right before a match. However, the commandment Jesus once gave in his Sermon on the Mount may have contributed to the Cougars’ loss on the field Monday night.

Losing in penalty kicks is never easy, especially when an NCAA National Championship is on the line.

“Be careful what you pray for,” said BYU Head Coach Jennifer Rockwood, shaking her head.

When asked if they would take their prayers back if they had a chance, the whole team said absolutely yes without a doubt yes.

“Fat stupid ugly. That’s what FSU stands for,” says 3-time All-American player Mikayla Colohan, who needed someone to hold her back after the game.

The Florida State soccer players definitely noticed something different. Yujie Zhao, the final penalty taker for them, said, “I felt comforted as I walked up to the spot. I don’t know what it was. I had a little voice tell me it was going to go in.”

The BYU team says the silver lining to this painful loss is a renewed conviction that God hears and answers prayers.