FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Northern Arizona women's soccer team kicked off their home opener in front of more than 2,500 fans notching their second win of the season 1-0 over Grand Canyon in the final five minutes of the game. The Lumberjacks are now 2-1 on the season with two straight weeks of home games coming up.
"We knew that Grand Canyon would come out and be a well-organized defensive team and put some pressure on us with their player rotation," Head Coach
Andre Luciano said. "The thing I stressed to our team was that we had to play very smart, not give up any set pieces and be patient. I'm really proud of our team and the crowd definitely gave us a lift tonight."
Grand Canyon and Northern Arizona were scoreless until the final five minutes when
Adrian Nixt was able to find
Malia Lyken in the box for a cross and goal — Lyken's first of the season. Despite the stats, the Lopes were unable to capitalize on their 12 to NAU's eight shot opportunities.
"Not being able to start fired me up," Lyken said. "I wanted to go out tonight and kick some butt and that pass from Adrian allowed me to do that."
Defensively, senior goalkeeper
Meghan Dickmann came out strong for the 'Jacks with five saves. Her final save came just minutes after NAU's goal, keeping the blue and gold in the game.
"This was a team win," Luciano said. "Defensively, we did a great job not allowing them get behind us where we really thought they were dangerous. Dickmann came up with a huge save to keep us in the game and overall awesome team performance and unbelievable home crowd."
One of the largest crowds Lumberjack stadium has held welcomed the 'Jacks and celebrated their first home win of the season. Next weekend Northern Arizona will host the Mountain Classic competing against both Detroit Mercy and Nevada, Sept. 1 and Sept. 3 respectively. Kick off against Detroit Mercy is set for 7 p.m. and 1 p.m. against Nevada.
