PHOENIX — Utah Valley's season came to an end on Sunday night, as a controversial 82nd-minute penalty led to a 1-0 San Jose State win at GCU Soccer Stadium.

Following a scramble in the 18, the Spartans shouted for a penalty, but none was given at the time. After nearly a minute of game action — which included a goal-line clearance on the opposite end of the field in a Wolverine scoring opportunity — the referee went to video review and awarded a penalty due to a handball in the box. 

After a back-and-forth opening 20 minutes with no shots, the Wolverines tested the Spartan defense for the first time. After a give-and-go play by Nik Kizerian and Omar Yehya, a cross was sent to the top of the penalty area, but Abel Mendoza's volley went wide left.

The Wolverines came out strong to start the second half, but got nothing to show for it. Keegan Oyler sent a shot on frame in the 47th minute, but the keeper was able to parry it out for a corner despite being screened. UVU kept sustained pressure inside the attacking third for another couple minutes, but only had a few blocked shots to show for it. 

The Spartans got a free kick moments later in the 53rd minute that struck woodwork. The rebound was sent straight at Ben Williams. 

Utah Valley had a pair of chances in transition in the 66th minute, but it took some last-ditch defending from SJSU to deny them. Yehya's initial shot was saved by the keeper, then Noah Pogue's follow-up was cleared off the line by a Spartan defender.

SJSU was awarded a penalty in the 82nd minute after video review, which was then converted by Angel Iniguez. It was initially unclear whether the officials were reviewing the play for a Spartan or Wolverine penalty due to the extended period of time it took for the officials to look at the scramble in the Wolverine box and the possibility of a penalty in the Spartan box during the UVU scoring chance moments later. The Wolverines would not record another shot in the final eight minutes.

The loss ends what proved to be a historic season for Utah Valley. The 2024 season saw Yehya put together one of the best offensive seasons in team history, scoring a program-record 12 goals in the regular season and tying a school record with a goal contribution in seven straight games. The Wolverines will look forward to the 2025 season, when the team gets to open the doors to the brand new UCCU Stadium, which is expected to be completed by next August.