Women's Soccer

WSOC: Lady Flames Survive in PKs, Advances to Fourth Straight Title Match

2026 CUSA Women’s Soccer Championship Central
 
NEWARK, Del. – No. 1 Liberty punches its ticket to the 2026 CUSA Women’s Soccer Championship title match after defeating No. 5 NM State Tuesday night at Stuart & Suzanne Grant Stadium.
 
Game Six: No. 1 Liberty 1, No. 5 NM State 1 (Liberty wins in PKs 4-3) | Box Score
The Lady Flames earn a spot in the title match for a fourth consecutive year after sneaking by the Aggies in penalty kicks, 4-3, after a 1-1 draw. CUSA Player of the Year Halle Engle put the finishing touches on the match as she netted the game-winner in the penalty kicks.
 
Liberty got out to an early lead on a 13th minute goal off the foot of Avery Paulson. NM State knotted things up in the 73rd minute as Marlee Cavitt delivered on a penalty kick.
 
CUSA Goalkeeper of the Year Ainsley Leja was sensational in net for the Lady Flames and notched a couple of key saves in the penalty kick shootout.
 
The Lady Flames will take on the Hilltoppers for a chance at their third CUSA title in four years on Friday, Nov. 13 at 12 p.m. ET at Grant Stadium.