STANFORD, Calif. — Fifth-seeded BYU survived a penalty shootout Friday night, defeating fourth-seeded UCLA after a 1-1 draw in the NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship before 2,076 at Cagan Stadium.
The opening 45 minutes featured contrasting styles. UCLA controlled possession and created early chances, with Lily Boyden testing BYU's goalkeeper in the opening exchanges. The Bruins' territorial advantage was evident as they earned multiple corners, but BYU's organized defense held firm. The Cougars countered with efforts from Mia Lopez and Lucy Kesler that sailed wide, keeping the match scoreless at halftime despite UCLA's dominance.
Both teams made tactical adjustments after the break. UCLA brought fresh legs while BYU reorganized their midfield, searching for better transition opportunities. The Bruins continued pressing forward with Leena Powell and Meila Brewer creating chances, while Izzi Stratton and Mika Krommenhoek threatened UCLA's backline on the counter.
BYU's breakthrough arrived in the 72nd minute when Mattyn Summers-Oviatt finished a well-worked sequence involving Krommenhoek and Halle Dixon, giving the Cougars a 1-0 lead after sustained second-half pressure.
UCLA responded with urgency. Emma Egizii equalized just eight minutes later in the 80th minute, energizing the crowd and shifting momentum back to the Bruins. UCLA pushed aggressively for a winner, but BYU's defense stood resolute through the final 10 minutes of regulation.
Neither team could break through in two overtime periods despite dangerous moments at both ends. Egizii and Powell created late chances for UCLA, while BYU defended with discipline and looked to counter. Tensions mounted late as Ella Labrum (BYU) and Bridgette Marin-Valencia (UCLA) received yellow cards, but the scoreline remained 1-1 through 110 minutes.
The statistics reflected an even contest. BYU's goalkeeper made seven saves while UCLA's netminder recorded eight. The Cougars converted 9 of 17 shot attempts on target, while UCLA managed 8 on goal from 27 attempts. The Bruins' 10 corners to BYU's 4 illustrated their territorial edge, but clinical finishing proved more valuable than possession.
BYU's composure from the penalty spot proved decisive, sending the Cougars into the next round against either Stanford or Baylor.