University of Arizona
2-1-0, 0-0-0
Gonzaga
1-2-0, 0-0-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Gonzaga | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Stephenson’s Brace Lifts Arizona to Comeback Win at Gonzaga
08/20/2026 | Soccer
SPOKANE, Wash. – Mireya Stephenson recorded the first brace of her collegiate career as Arizona Soccer rallied from a halftime deficit to defeat Gonzaga, 2-1, Thursday afternoon at Luger Field.
The Wildcats (2-1) trailed 1-0 at the break before Stephenson found the back of the net twice in a span of less than six minutes to turn the match in Arizona's favor. Laurynn Ziller helped preserve the lead down the stretch, making three second-half saves, including a penalty-kick stop, as Arizona secured its first road victory of the season.
Arizona generated the first opportunity of the match when Jessica Bedolla fired a shot wide right in the fourth minute. Gonzaga broke through in the 29th minute when Samantha Snorsky scored an unassisted goal to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 advantage. Trinity Dorsey put Arizona's first shot on goal in the 38th minute, but Gonzaga goalkeeper Sydney Head made the save. The Bulldogs carried the one-goal advantage into halftime.
The Wildcats came out of the break on the attack, with Lainey Swanson putting a shot on frame just 14 seconds into the second half. Arizona continued applying pressure before Stephenson, who reentered the match in the 64th minute, delivered the equalizer at 67:06 off an assist from Whitney Reinhardt.
Stephenson struck again at 72:55. Lily Boydstun provided the assist as Stephenson buried her second goal of the afternoon to complete her first career brace and put the Wildcats ahead, 2-1.
Gonzaga had an opportunity to answer just over three minutes later after earning a penalty kick. Ziller denied Amelia Severn from the spot to keep Arizona in front. She wasn't done. Ziller made another save in the 80th minute and turned away Gonzaga's final shot on goal in the 84th to close out the comeback victory.
Arizona outshot Gonzaga 12-8, including an 8-5 advantage in the second half, and put seven shots on goal to the Bulldogs' five. Stephenson led the Wildcats with four shots, three on goal and two goals, while Arizona held 52% of the possession.
The win improves Arizona to 2-1 on the season and gives the Wildcats their first road victory of 2026.
UP NEXT
Arizona remains on the road and heads to Tempe to face No. 16 LSU on Sunday, Aug. 30, at Arizona State.
The Wildcats return to Murphey Field on Thursday, Sept. 3. to host No. 7 UNC. Tickets for Arizona Soccer home matches are available at https://arizonawildcats.evenue.net/list/SC.
FOLLOW THE WILDCATS
For continued coverage of Arizona Soccer, follow the Wildcats on X (@ArizonaSoccer), Instagram (@ArizonaSoccer) and Facebook (Arizona Soccer).
NOTABLES
- Mireya Stephenson recorded the first brace of her career, scoring both of Arizona's goals in the comeback victory.
- Stephenson scored twice in a span of 5:49 and finished with a team-high four shots, including three on goal.
- Laurynn Ziller recorded three saves in a scoreless second half, highlighted by a penalty-kick save in the 76th minute to preserve Arizona's 2-1 lead.
- Whitney Reinhardt and Lily Boydstun recorded their first assists of the season, setting up Stephenson's first and second goals, respectively.
- Arizona earned its first road win of the season and improved to 2-1.
- The victory marked Arizona's first win over Gonzaga since 1996, snapping a three-match skid against the Bulldogs and giving the Wildcats their second all-time win in the series.
- Arizona outshot Gonzaga 12-8 and held a 7-5 advantage in shots on goal.
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
Samantha Snorsky (2)
GOAL by GON Snorsky, Samantha.
28:22
MIreya Stephenson (2)
Assisted By: Whitney Reinhardt
GOAL by ARI Stephenson, MIreya Assist by Reinhardt, Whitney.
67:06
MIreya Stephenson (2)
Assisted By: Lily Boydstun
GOAL by ARI Stephenson, MIreya Assist by Boydstun, Lily.
72:55
