LAS CRUCES, N.M. — The Northern Arizona women's soccer team traveled to New Mexico in what was just their second time on the road this season to compete against the New Mexico State Aggies Friday afternoon. The Lumberjacks fought until the end, nearly coming back from a 3-0 deficit; however, New Mexico State held on to their lead to give NAU their third loss of the season 3-2. Head Coach
Andre Luciano and the Lumberjacks are now 5-3 on the season as they move on to their final non-conference match up against New Mexico Sunday, Sept. 17.
"We have to stop putting ourselves in these situations and going down by one or two goals," Luciano said. "We can't come out and go down goals early in the game."
Both sides struggled to get into a rhythm to start with just two shot attempts, one from each side, in the first 20 minutes of the game. Shortly after, New Mexico State's top scorer recorded her fifth goal of the season to give them an early lead and only goal of the half. It was a physical game, with more than 15 fouls combined, and two yellow cards for the Aggies.
With the score 1-0 at the half, the Lumberjacks came out strong looking to tie it up; however, New Mexico State kept applying the pressure. While utilizing the width, the Aggies were able to score two more goals against the 'Jacks to go up 3-0 in the 67
th minute.
"The team showed resilience and our seniors tried to step up at the end of the game and carry us," Luciano said. "
Anna Goebel played a great game and getting
Amber Measley back from injury was huge. We didn't give up and played until the end."
The Lumberjacks immediately returned the favor with sophomore
Malia Lyken recording her third goal of the season. And just like that momentum favored the blue and gold as they attempted a three-goal comeback.
With less than 10 minutes remaining, senior Goebel put her first goal of the season in the back of the net to give the Lumberjacks a shot. Unfortunately, NAU's last push wasn't enough and the Aggies came out on top 3-2.
Luciano and the Lumberjacks will remain on the road to compete against the University of New Mexico Lobos Sunday, Sept. 17 at noon MST.
