FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (October 19, 2018) – Northern Arizona University Soccer falls to Eastern Washington 1-0 on a late goal. The Lumberjacks looked to have the edge in the game by out-shooting the Eagles 13-8 on the night but were unable to finish on any opportunities.
The loss pushes NAU to 9-4-3 on the season and 5-1-2 in the Big Sky Conference. This marks the first loss for the Lumberjacks in over three weeks and their first conference loss on the season. At 5-1-2 the 'Jacks will fall to fourth place in the conference. The win makes Eastern Washington 7-7-3 on the season and 3-4-1 in the Big Sky. The win keeps EWU in contention for making the conference tournament.
Although Northern Arizona lost the match, they were able to take 13 shots on the EWU goalkeeper, Kelsee Winston with six being on target.
Tatum Heeres and
Ari Gonzalez were able to lead the team with two shots apiece.
"The game came down to execution, they were able to finish their opportunity on a set piece," NAU head coach
Andre Luciano said. "While we didn't finish our chances, and we had good looks tonight."
The first half was a stalemate as neither team could break through for a goal. The Lumberjacks offense put together multiple shots on goal with the best opportunity of the half coming off the foot of
Kayla Terhune in the 26
th minute. On the other side of the pitch,
Taryn Benham didn't face much action as she picked up her lone save of the night off of a shot from Eastern Washington's Allison Rainere in the 42
nd minute.
The second half was similar to the first half until in the 71
st minute Eastern Washington's Jenny Chavez was able to connect off of a set piece from Emma Vanderhyden for the game-winning goal.
"Going into the match we talked about not giving them set pieces or corner kicks because of how dangerous they are off of these," Luciano said.
In the final 19 minutes, the 'Jacks put together many chances but were unable to ultimately put one into the back of the net. NAU's best chance for an equalizer came from
Paige Maling who's shot went just inches high of the net in the 74
th minute.
Northern Arizona will be back in action on Sunday, Oct. 21 at home against Idaho for senior day. With a win against Idaho, the Lumberjacks will have a chance to lock up a top-three finish in the Big Sky Conference.
