MISSOULA, Mont. — The Northern Arizona women's soccer team fell to the Montana Grizzlies 2-1 in an overtime heartbreak after leading the game for nearly 60 minutes in Missoula. Senior forward
Adrian Nixt led the Lumberjacks after scoring a header in the 20
th minute, her third goal of the season, before Montana was able to equalize with a penalty-kick goal with 10 minutes to go in the game. In their fourth overtime competition this season, the Lumberjacks were unable to capitalize and Montana maintained an undefeated home record.
"Defensively we were very organized in the midfield," Head Coach
Andre Luciano said. "We didn't give up much, except for an unfortunate penalty kick with 10 minutes left in the game."
The Lumberjacks connected to feet, got forward and scored first, maintaining a lead for most of the game; however, it just wasn't enough to solidify a win this afternoon. Northern Arizona had seven shot attempts; the lone goal was their only look on frame compared to Montana's 20 shots, eight on goal.
Northern Arizona's goal came in the beginning of the game from a cross by
Madeline Waszak on to the head of Nixt into the back of the net. The Lumberjacks went into the second half up 1-0 and had an opportunity to seal the game in the 68
th minute after being award a penalty kick; however, the shot went high over the net keeping the teams a goal apart.
Montana recorded a season-high 15 corner kicks against the Lumberjacks and really kept the pressure up throughout the second half. Montana was then able to get the equalizer from a penalty kick in the 79
th minute, giving them the shot they needed for their comeback-winning game at home.
"Montana was dangerous offensively, especially on corner kicks," said Luciano. "We just have to learn from it. We have three, four games left and we have to win at least three depending on results in the conference."
The Lumberjacks went into overtime for the fourth time this season, giving up the game-winning goal in the 96
th minute from a cross and header. Northern Arizona is now 8-7 overall and 3-3 in conference. The 'Jacks will have a full week of practice this week before a three-game home stretch against Weber State and Idaho State Oct. 13 and 15 and Southern Utah Oct. 20.
