University of Arizona
Houston
Arizona Looks to Build Momentum Against Houston
10/06/2026 | Soccer
TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona Soccer returns home Thursday night, hosting Houston at Murphey Field at Mulcahy Stadium for a Big 12 matchup.
The Wildcats (3-5-4, 0-1-3 Big 12) enter Thursday's contest following a 3-3 draw at Oklahoma State on Oct. 2.
Arizona answered all three of the Cowgirls' goals in Stillwater, with Mireya Stephenson, Lily Boydstun and Ella Weathersby finding the back of the net. Weathersby converted a penalty kick in the 87th minute to secure the point for the Wildcats.
Thursday marks Arizona's return to Tucson following a three-match road swing. The Wildcats will look to carry the momentum from their three-goal performance at Oklahoma State into Thursday's matchup with Houston.
BACK AT HOME
Arizona returns to Mulcahy Stadium with a 2-2-1 record at home this season.
The Wildcats have scored seven goals across their five home matches, including a 2-0 victory over New Mexico State and a 3-0 win against Northern Arizona. Arizona also earned a 1-1 draw against No. 23 BYU in its Big 12 home opener.
Arizona has totaled 132 shots through 12 matches this season, averaging 11 shots per game, while recording 55 shots on goal. The Wildcats have also earned 51 corner kicks and 12 assists.
STEPHENSON LEADS THE WAY
Mireya Stephenson leads the Wildcats with three goals and six points through 12 matches.
Stephenson has recorded 16 shots this season, including 10 on target, while scoring on 18.8 percent of her attempts. She also scored Arizona's first goal against Oklahoma State, finding the equalizer in the 24th minute.
Lainey Swanson has added two goals and two assists for six points, while Jessica Bedolla, Kyleigh Johnson and Allyson Brown have each contributed two goals.
BETWEEN THE POSTS
Sofia Cortes-Browne and Laurynn Ziller have combined for 34 saves through Arizona's first 12 matches.
Cortes-Browne has appeared in 12 matches, playing 630 minutes and making 19 saves with a .633 save percentage. Ziller has played 450 minutes across 10 appearances and recorded 13 saves with a .722 save percentage.
As a team, Arizona has posted a .680 save percentage and recorded two shutouts this season.
SECOND-HALF SURGE
Arizona has generated much of its offensive production after halftime this season.
The Wildcats have scored 11 of their 14 goals in the second half, compared to three goals in the opening 45 minutes. Arizona has also registered 70 of its 132 shots after halftime.
Arizona's second-half production was on display against Oklahoma State, as the Wildcats scored twice after halftime, including Boydstun's goal in the 48th minute and Weathersby's game-tying penalty in the 87th minute.
FOLLOW THE WILDCATS
Thursday's match against Houston is set for 7 p.m. MST at Murphey Field at Mulcahy Stadium and will be celebrated as Hispanic Heritage Night.
For continued coverage of Arizona Soccer, follow @ArizonaSoccer on X and Instagram and Arizona Soccer on Facebook.
