Soccer knocks off No. 13 Vanderbilt in closing seconds

Friday, September 26

Austin, Texas

6 p.m. CT

University of Texas

3-7-1, 1-3-0

Vanderbilt

7-3-1, 1-2-1

Vanderbilt

Texas

Soccer knocks off No. 13 Vanderbilt in closing seconds

09.26.2025 | Soccer

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

Villarreal scores latest game-winning regulation goal in program history

AUSTIN, Texas — Amalia Villarreal converted a penalty kick with 10 seconds remaining to lift the Longhorns to a 2-1 victory over No. 13 Vanderbilt on Friday evening at Mike A. Myers Soccer Stadium.

Villarreal's second tally of the night marked the latest regulation goal to win a match in program history, besting the previous record with 17 ticks left scored by Abby Allen at Long Beach State on Aug. 17, 2023.

Texas (3-7-1, 1-3-0 SEC) was awarded the penalty kick upon review, after a Commodore raised their foot and nicked Sadie Hoch's eye a couple yards in front of the net.

Villarreal stepped to the spot to bury her third penalty of the season, securing Texas' first top-15 victory in the regular season since the Longhorns upset No. 5 West Virginia in 2017.

I'm just proud of the grit and grind, head coach Ange Kelly said. I'm excited for the team to feel some joy. They've been in every single game, they've battled and they've fought. Every week, this young group has stuck by one another, and they continue to get better and better.

The game-winning goal came 44 seconds after Vanderbilt keeper Sara Wojdelko was issued a red card, denying a dangerous opportunity for Ava McDonald in the final minute.

Wojdelko charged out of the box to close down a potential breakaway for McDonald but instead spun the forward to the ground.

Off of the free kick, Texas earned a corner on a redirected shot attempt from Villarreal. Chloe Shimkin's service caromed toward Hoch before she was knocked in the face.

The late drama came following a tightly-contested stalemate across the first 66 minutes.

Villarreal broke through with a highlight-reel worthy strike from 15 yards away.

McDonald played a no-look pass to Villarreal, who took one touch into the box.

Villarreal drove her left leg through the ball, placing her shot above the sprawling goalkeeper and into the top right corner of the net.

The Commodores (7-3-1, 1-2-1 SEC) equalized with a top-notch goal of their own less than 12 minutes later.

Mary Beth McLaughlin lofted a cross into the center of the box and Olivia Stafford volleyed home her first career goal in SEC action.

Texas held Vanderbilt to the lone tally, as goalie Kendell Williams posted four saves in her first career win.

Entering the evening, the Commodores had conceded just four goals through their first 10 matches combined.

Coming off their first three points in conference play, the Longhorns meet rival Texas A&M in the Cotton Holdings Lone Star Showdown on Thursday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Ellis Field.