Arizona Soccer Heads to Salt Lake City for Friday Matchup Against Utah

TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona Soccer hits the road Friday, traveling to Salt Lake City to face Utah at 6 p.m. as the Wildcats continue Big 12 play.

Arizona (5-5-4, 2-1-3 Big 12) enters Friday's matchup following a 2-1 victory over Iowa State on Sunday at Murphey Field at Mulcahy Stadium. The Wildcats improved to 3-1-3 in conference play with their second Big 12 victory of the season.

Lainey Swanson opened the scoring in the 25th minute off an assist from Mireya Stephenson before Iowa State equalized early in the second half. Kyleigh Johnson scored the game-winner in the 73rd minute, finishing a pass from Ella Weathersby to secure the 2-1 victory.

Arizona recorded 11 shots, including six on goal, and earned six corner kicks while holding 53 percent of possession. Laurynn Ziller made five saves in the second half to help the Wildcats preserve the win.

JOHNSON DELIVERS THE WINNER

Kyleigh Johnson scored the game-winning goal in the 73rd minute Sunday, lifting Arizona to a 2-1 victory over Iowa State.

Johnson finished a pass from Ella Weathersby to put the Wildcats ahead after the Cyclones had equalized in the 53rd minute. The goal was Johnson's third of the season, tying her with Lainey Swanson for a team-high three goals.

Johnson's goal marked Arizona's second of the afternoon and helped the Wildcats secure their second Big 12 victory of the season.

SWANSON STRIKES FIRST

Lainey Swanson opened the scoring against Iowa State in the 25th minute, finishing a pass from Mireya Stephenson to give Arizona an early 1-0 lead.

The goal was Swanson's third of the season, tying her with Johnson for the team lead. Stephenson recorded the assist, contributing to Arizona's opening goal in the first half.

The Wildcats carried the advantage into halftime before Iowa State evened the score early in the second half. Arizona responded with Johnson's game-winner in the 73rd minute to secure the victory.

ZILLER SAVES THE DAY

Laurynn Ziller made five saves in the second half against Iowa State, helping Arizona hold on for the 2-1 victory.

Ziller entered at halftime and recorded five saves across 45 minutes, allowing one goal as the Cyclones attempted to find an equalizer. Sofia Cortes-Browne started the match and made one save during a scoreless first half.

The goalkeeping effort helped Arizona withstand Iowa State's pressure in the second half and preserve its one-goal advantage through the final whistle.

SHARING THE WEALTH

Arizona received contributions from multiple players in Sunday's victory, with Swanson and Johnson finding the back of the net and Stephenson and Weathersby recording assists.

Swanson and Johnson each have three goals this season, leading the Wildcats in scoring. Stephenson assisted on Swanson's opening goal, while Weathersby set up Johnson's game-winner.

The Wildcats finished with 11 shots and six shots on target against Iowa State, converting twice to earn the conference victory.

BACK ON THE ROAD

Arizona heads to Salt Lake City looking to build on Sunday's win as the Wildcats continue their Big 12 schedule.

The Wildcats improved to 2-1-3 in conference play with the victory over Iowa State and will look to carry that momentum into Friday's matchup against Utah.

FOLLOW THE ACTION

Arizona faces Utah on Friday, Oct. 16, in Salt Lake City. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

Fans can follow Arizona Soccer on X and Instagram at @ArizonaSoccer and on Facebook at Arizona Soccer for updates and continued coverage.