University of Arizona
5-5-5, 2-1-4
Utah
4-7-4, 1-4-2
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Utah | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Arizona Soccer Earns Scoreless Draw at Utah Behind Ziller’s Late Penalty Kick Save
10/16/2026 | Soccer
TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona Soccer battled Utah to a scoreless draw Friday night at Ute Field in Salt Lake City, earning a point in Big 12 play behind a strong second-half performance from goalkeeper Laurynn Ziller.
The Wildcats moved to 5-5-5 overall and 2-1-4 in conference play, while Utah improved to 4-7-4 overall and 1-4-2 in the Big 12.
Arizona created its first opportunities early in the opening half, as Mireya Stephenson put a shot on target in the eighth minute that was saved by Utah goalkeeper Anna Solomon. Ella Weathersby added a shot in the 10th minute, but it sailed high of the goal.
Utah applied pressure throughout the first half, earning four corner kicks while holding Arizona without a corner opportunity. The Wildcats' defense held firm, limiting the Utes to three shots and keeping the match scoreless heading into halftime.
Arizona goalkeeper Sofia Cortes-Browne started the match in goal, playing the opening 45 minutes as the Wildcats entered the break tied 0-0.
The Wildcats came out with increased offensive pressure in the second half, with Lainey Swanson putting a shot over the crossbar in the 51st minute. Substitute Jessica Bedolla followed with a shot on target in the 56th minute, forcing Solomon to make another save.
Ziller entered at halftime and delivered a standout performance, recording four saves across the final 45 minutes to keep Utah off the scoreboard. The Utes generated nine second-half shots, including three saves required from Ziller before the closing moments.
Arizona continued to look for a breakthrough, earning two corner kicks in the second half. Ally Brown added a shot in the 75th minute, but it went wide of the goal.
Utah earned a penalty kick in the final minute of regulation, but Ziller came up with a crucial save on Nevaeh Peregrina's attempt at the 89:35 mark to preserve the shutout and secure the draw for Arizona.
The Utes finished with a 12-5 advantage in shots and a 4-2 edge in shots on goal. Arizona recorded two saves in the first half and four in the second, while Utah goalkeeper Solomon finished with two saves. Utah also held a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks.
NOTABLES
- Arizona earned a point in Big 12 play with a 0-0 draw against Utah.
- The Wildcats moved to 5-5-5 overall and 2-1-4 in conference play.
- Laurynn Ziller recorded four saves in the second half to help Arizona secure the shutout.
- Ziller saved Utah's penalty kick in the final minute of regulation, denying Nevaeh Peregrina and preserving the scoreless draw.
- Sofia Cortes-Browne started in goal and played the opening 45 minutes.
- Arizona recorded five shots, including two on target, with Mireya Stephenson and Jessica Bedolla each putting a shot on goal.
- The Wildcats recorded two corner kicks, both in the second half.
- Utah finished with 12 shots, including nine after halftime, but could not find the back of the net.
- Arizona recorded six saves as a team, with four coming from Ziller in the second half.
- The Wildcats held Utah scoreless despite facing a penalty kick in the final minute of regulation.
UP NEXT
Arizona returns home to face the Colorado Buffs at 7pm on Thursday, October 22nd. We will be celebrating Pups at the Pitch Night.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
For continued coverage of Arizona Soccer, follow @ArizonaSoccer on X and Instagram and Arizona Soccer on Facebook.
