Cal Poly’s women’s soccer squad finally broke a 13‑year winless streak in spectacular fashion, defeating UNLV 1‑0 in a match that swung back and forth until the final whistle. The victory was sealed by a late penalty, but the story behind it is richer than the scoreline.
A Penalty That Changed Everything
In the 85th minute, Miah Thomas stepped up to convert a penalty kick that not only gave the Mustangs the lead but also marked her first goal in a Cal Poly uniform and her fourth collegiate goal overall. The strike was the culmination of a carefully orchestrated play that began with a cross from senior defender Siena Urzua.
Red Cards and a Free‑Kick Prelude
The match was further intensified when UNLV’s Felicity Garcia received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving her team a player short. Shortly thereafter, Cal Poly’s Farra Franklin was shown a straight red card, also reducing the Mustangs to ten players. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Cal Poly earned a free‑kick from 30 yards out after a foul by Annika Smith inside the penalty area, a set‑piece that created the crucial penalty opportunity.
Between the cards and the penalty, Cal Poly’s goalkeeper Shannon Porubski made two key saves, securing her 10th career shutout and preserving the narrow lead. Her performance underscored the defensive resilience that would prove vital in the closing stages.
New Faces Step onto the Pitch
The game also served as a debut platform for six players making their first starts for Cal Poly. Transfers Miah Thomas, Koko Harris and Mya Clarke joined freshmen Madison Lujan and Kate Nunes in the lineup, injecting fresh energy and depth into the squad. Their contributions helped the team navigate the ebb and flow of a tightly contested battle.
Looking Ahead to Stanford
Cal Poly finished the match with a 1‑0‑0 record and now prepares to host top‑ranked Stanford, a rematch of last season’s NCAA Tournament first‑round encounter. The upcoming clash promises to test the Mustangs’ newfound momentum as they aim to build on this breakthrough victory.