NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — #2 TCU pulled off a stunning upset over top-seeded Vanderbilt, winning 2-1 in overtime Saturday night in front of 989 fans at the NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship. The Horned Frogs, ranked second nationally with an 18-2-3 record, broke through late in regulation before securing the dramatic victory when Sydney Becerra finished in the 95th minute of extra time.
Sydney Watts gave Vanderbilt an early lead in the 76th minute, capitalizing on a chance set up by Vivian Akyirem and Ally Bollig. The Commodores appeared poised to advance, but TCU refused to fold. Emma Yolinsky equalized just nine minutes later in the 85th minute, forcing the match into overtime and setting the stage for Becerra's decisive strike.
The first half unfolded as a tightly contested affair with both teams creating chances but neither able to convert. Vanderbilt dominated possession and territory, outshooting TCU significantly while generating multiple corner opportunities. Sydney Watts, Reagan Pentz, and Maci Teater all tested TCU's defense with efforts that came close but couldn't find the back of the net. TCU, meanwhile, remained dangerous on the counter, with Sydney Becerra forcing several nervous moments for the Commodores' backline.
After halftime, Vanderbilt continued pressing for an opening goal. The home side's attacking intensity only increased as the second half progressed, with players like Courtney Jones and Margo Matula combining to create dangerous situations. TCU goalkeeper made nine saves throughout the match, standing tall when it mattered most. The Horned Frogs' defense bent but didn't break for much of the second half, absorbing wave after wave of Vanderbilt pressure while waiting for their moment.
That moment arrived in the 76th minute when Watts finally broke through. The breakthrough seemed to have settled the match in Vanderbilt's favor, but TCU's resilience proved decisive. Yolinsky's equalizer in the 85th minute sent shockwaves through the stadium and forced overtime, where anything could happen in this championship setting.
In the extra period, both teams created chances but neither could find the decisive touch until Becerra struck in the 95th minute. The goal capped a remarkable comeback for TCU, which finished with just three shots on goal compared to Vanderbilt's ten. The Commodores' 31 total shot attempts vastly outnumbered TCU's eight, yet the Horned Frogs' clinical finishing in crucial moments made the difference.
Vanderbilt's defense, led by goalkeeper Melania Fullerton, made just one save in a frustrating performance for the top seed. The Commodores' inability to convert their dominance into goals ultimately cost them dearly. TCU's goalkeeper, meanwhile, delivered a masterclass in shot-stopping, denying Vanderbilt repeatedly when the match remained scoreless.
The upset victory showcases TCU's championship pedigree and ability to thrive under pressure against elite competition. Despite being outshot and outpossessed, the Horned Frogs' composure in critical moments and clinical finishing proved the difference in this NCAA Championship encounter. The victory sends TCU to the next round where they will play Florida State in Kansas City.