CHENEY, Wash. – In the Big Sky Conference Championship quarterfinals, the No. 5 Northern Arizona University women's soccer team fell to the No. 4 Portland State University Vikings 1-0 to round out the season 9-10-1 overall and 4-6-1 in the Big Sky.
"I think it was a pretty even game in terms of statistics and matchups," Head Coach
Andre Luciano said. "We tried to create some chances with pace in the first half by getting in behind, and we had some chances we could have capitalized on."
Despite the result, the Lumberjacks dominated the game with eight shots outshooting the Vikings' seven. It was a familiar box score for the 'Jacks as they have outshot five out of 10 of the opponents they've lost to and more than half of those losses have been by a single goal.
"Our midfield matchups were even for both teams; we did a good job containing Katie Forsee and they did a good job covering
Adrian Nixt," said Luciano.
Both, top forwards for their respective teams, were not even able to get a shot off in 90 minutes of action.
Portland State's goal came just under the 70
th minute from Regan Russell, who played just 10 minutes, the least amount on the Viking roster. It came down to a corner kick and cross for Portland State to give them the lead over the Lumberjacks.
The Lumberjacks were at a scoreless tie at halftime after dominating possession, attempting four shots and maintaining pressure with three corners, while Portland State was able to match those numbers, without landing a shot on frame. The second half provided fewer shots for the Vikings, but more set pieces after the 'Jacks conceded four corner kicks, seven overall, and six fouls, 11 overall.
"Soccer has a funny way of not letting the ball bounce the way you need it to go and sometimes the game comes down to set pieces," said Luciano. "We have to give Portland State credit as they fought hard, were organized and made it difficult for us to play."
Northern Arizona will return home and rest before preparing for the spring season and 2018 campaign.
