We’re about a month away from the 2026 Big Ten Women’s Soccer Tournament Presented by Allstate. After another weekend of action, we’ve got a three-way tie at the top of the conference standings at 5-1 (UCLA, Ohio State, and Michigan State) with two more lying in wait at 4-1-1 (Purdue and Washington). Take a look. 

Bruins’ 89th-Minute Magic 

With its fourth straight shutout and an undeniable last-minute penalty kick, No. 10 UCLA defeated familiar foe Oregon to remain tied for the Big Ten lead.

Kara Croone earns the PK and then NAILS the PK. UCLA 1, Oregon 0 89th minute ??: @BigTenPlus #GoBruins https://t.co/BXywNAVaQc

— UCLA Women's Soccer (@UCLAWSoccer) October 3, 2026

The Bruins outshot the Ducks 21-7 on the night, but a spectacular eight-save performance from Oregon keeper Gray Willson kept the match scoreless heading into the final minutes. The Ducks nearly took the lead in the 86th minute, but a world-class save from Daphne Nakfoor maintained the Bruins’ clean sheet and set the stage for Kara Croone’s third game-winning goal of the season. Read the full recap. 

Schlueter’s Third Straight Brace Fuels Buckeyes 

Also fighting to stay ahead in the Big Ten title race, No. 7 Ohio State defeated Northwestern 3-0 behind Amanda Schlueter’s third consecutive two-goal outing. The senior recorded an assist under five minutes into the game to give the Buckeyes a quick lead before a takeaway at the top of the box later in the half gave Schlueter the chance she needed to make it 2-0. Then in the 87th minute, she sped right past a pack of defenders and poked the ball just inside the post to tie a bow on the win. Read OSU's recap here. 

Game-Winner Keeps Spartans on Track 

Sunday’s showdown between No. 2 Michigan State and Illinois was scoreless late in the second half after Illini goalkeeper Izzy Lee — who led the conference with seven shutouts going into the weekend — fended off six Spartan shots on goal. But with under five minutes remaining, Kayla Briggs flicked a heel pass backward to Bella Najera, who then blasted a banger from outside the 18 right into the side netting.

Big - goal Bella! Najera gets the first goal on the board in the 86th minute for a 1-0 MSU lead! https://t.co/5drucvfQmt

— Michigan State Women's Soccer (@MSU_wsoccer) October 4, 2026

With the victory, the Spartans maintained their spot tied at the top of the league and improved to 9-1-2 (5-1 B1G). Read the story. 

Updates Around the League 

• Saturday’s 2-2 draw between Purdue and Penn State dropped the Boilers into a tie for second place. Purdue keeper Krystina Wolf turned away three Nittany Lion shots in the final 13 minutes to preserve the tie. 

• With its eighth shutout of the season, No. 15 Washington stymied USC in a 1-0 win. Keeper Tanner Ijams’ 18th career clean sheet moved her ahead of legend Hope Solo for third place all-time at Washington. 

• Nebraska forced a scoreless draw with No. 20 Wisconsin. Despite being outshot 21-10, the Huskers held the line thanks to six saves from keeper Avery Gillahan. 

Buckeyes-Badgers Highlights Weekly Slate 

We’ve got nine more Big Ten matchups coming up on Thursday, including a top-20 showdown in Madison between No. 7 Ohio State and No. 20 Wisconsin. The Badgers are four points back from the Buckeyes and the other first-place squads. They’ll need goalkeeper Drew Stover (seven shutouts, tied for first in B1G) and the backline to hold down OSU’s Amanda Schlueter, who leads the Big Ten with 12 goals. 

There’s plenty more action coming up — check out the schedule. 

Photo credit: Jesus Ramirez via uclabruins.com.