Air Force Academy
6-2-1, 1-0-0
UC Davis
2-6-2, 0-1-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| UC Davis | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Air Force | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Falcons Defeat UC Davis 3-1 in Mountain West Opener
9/24/2026 8:53:00 PM | Women's Soccer
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo., - Air Force women's soccer (6-2-1) opened Mountain West play in dramatic fashion Thursday evening, rallying from an early deficit to defeat UC Davis (2-6-2), 3-1, at Cadet Soccer Stadium.
The Falcons controlled much of the offensive action, recording 18 shots, including eight on goal. Air Force received goals from three different players, including first-career tallies from seniors Clara Teigland and Lauren Steinlage. Defender Jordan Dillingham added her third goal of the season, setting a new career high, while Annika Jost and Addie Doyle each recorded an assist.
UC Davis opened the scoring in the 14th minute, converting on a free kick that found the back of the net despite a full-extension effort from Air Force goalkeeper Sydney Nelms. The early deficit did little to slow the Falcons, who continued to apply pressure and generate chances in the attacking third.
Air Force found the equalizer in the 35th minute. Jost delivered a corner kick into the box, where Dillingham rose above the defense and headed the ball into the net to bring the Falcons level at 1-1. The goal marked Dillingham's third of the season and continued a career-best scoring campaign for the defender.
I thought our response after halftime was a postive one, said head coach Laura Busby. It was great to see two senior leaders step up and score two brilliant goals for us.
The Falcons carried the momentum into halftime and came out with renewed energy in the second half. Air Force took its first lead of the night in the 50th minute when Teigland capitalized on a loose ball following a deflected shot from Chase Borntreger. Teigland collected the opportunity and slipped a shot past the Aggies' goalkeeper for the first goal of her collegiate career, giving the Falcons a 2-1 advantage.
Air Force continued to press forward, and just three minutes later, Steinlage added another first-career goal to extend the lead. Doyle sent a throw-in toward Steinlage, who gathered the ball, dribbled toward the top of the penalty area and unleashed a left-footed shot from outside the box. The shot curled toward the left post and found the back of the net, giving the Falcons a 3-1 cushion.
With the lead secured, the Air Force defense held firm throughout the remainder of the match. Nelms finished with five saves, making several key stops to keep the Aggies off the scoreboard in the second half and preserve the Falcons' two-goal advantage.
The victory marks Air Force's first Mountain West win of the season and extends the Falcons' strong start to 6-2-1. Air Force also improved to 3-0-1 at Cadet Soccer Stadium this season.
Busby expressed, It is a great start to Mountain West play but we need to refocus and prepare fo a talented Hawaiian side this Sunday.
The Falcons close out their three-match homestand Sunday, Sept. 27, when they welcome Mountain West newcomer Hawai'i to Cadet Soccer Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. MT.
Team Stats
Kaya Herndon (1)
GOAL by UCD Herndon, Kaya.
13:48
Jordan Dillingham (3)
Assisted By: Annika Jost
GOAL by USAFA Dillingham, Jordan Assist by Jost, Annika.
34:50
Clara Teigland (1)
GOAL by USAFA Teigland, Clara.
49:05
Lauren Steinlage (1)
Assisted By: Addie Doyle
GOAL by USAFA Steinlage, Lauren Assist by Doyle, Addie.
53:03
