ORLANDO, Florida - UCF (11-2-4) continued their winning ways with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over BYU (8-6-3) on Monday evening in a crucial conference matchup. The Knights extended their unbeaten streak to three matches while handing the Cougars their second consecutive loss.
Liz Worden proved to be the difference-maker for UCF, netting twice in the first half. Her first goal came in the 9th minute off a combination play from Rajanah Reed and Honoka Hamano. Worden doubled the Knights' advantage in the 18th minute, again assisted by Hamano and Reed. BYU's Mia Lopez pulled one back for the visitors in the 79th minute, assisted by Mika Krommenhoek and Abbi Sine, but the Knights' defense held firm in the closing stages.
The first half showcased UCF's clinical finishing despite BYU controlling much of the possession. The Cougars generated several early chances, with Mia Goettsche testing the Knights' goalkeeper in the 3rd minute. Ellie Walbruch and Izzi Stratton both had promising opportunities for BYU, but their shots missed the target. UCF's defensive organization, anchored by Guta Franke, frustrated the Cougars' attack throughout the opening period.
BYU mounted significant pressure after the break, outshooting UCF 12-2 in the second half. The Cougars' persistence finally paid off when Lopez found the net in the 79th minute. Emma Hamberlin nearly equalized in the 86th minute, but her effort sailed high. UCF's tactical adjustments, including the introductions of Brooke Mulroney and Jessica McCullen in the 76th minute, helped the Knights maintain their advantage.
The match statistics reflected BYU's territorial dominance, as they outshot UCF 20-5 overall, with 8 shots on target compared to UCF's 3. The Cougars also held a 3-1 advantage in corner kicks. However, UCF's efficiency in front of goal proved decisive. The Knights' disciplinary record was marred by three yellow cards, shown to Ella Holloran (29'), Hannah Boughton (62'), and Audrey Buck (70').
Worden's first-half brace highlighted her clinical finishing, while Hamano and Reed's creative partnership yielded two assists. For BYU, Lopez showed tremendous persistence, recording four shots before finally converting in the 79th minute. Defensively, UCF's goalkeeper made seven crucial saves to preserve the victory.
The tactical battle showcased contrasting styles, with BYU's possession-based approach generating numerous opportunities, while UCF's counter-attacking strategy proved more efficient. The Knights' defensive organization, particularly after taking the two-goal lead, frustrated BYU's attempts to build through the middle.
This victory strengthens UCF's position near the top of the conference standings, extending their impressive run of form that includes recent victories over Baylor and a draw against Houston. For BYU, the loss continues a challenging stretch following their draw with Colorado and defeat to Kansas.
The Knights' ability to weather BYU's second-half surge demonstrated their defensive resilience, though the statistical disparity suggests areas for improvement. UCF will look to maintain their momentum when they travel to Texas Tech on October 30, while BYU aims to snap their losing streak in their upcoming match at Utah on the same date.