Box Score OGDEN, Utah (October 31, 2018) – The Northern Arizona women's soccer team lost to Montana 1-0 on Oct. 31
st in Ogden, Utah during the first round of the Big Sky Conference Championships at the Wildcat Soccer Field on the campus of Weber State.
With the loss, NAU will finish the year with a record of 9-5-4 and a conference record of 5-2-3 on the season. The Lumberjacks had ended the season ranked fourth in the Big Sky but would fall to the fifth ranked University of Montana. The Grizzlies will continue to compete in the Big Sky Championships as their record improved to 5-7-6 on the year and 3-2-4 in conference play.
Northern Arizona was not able to get much going on the offensive side of the ball. The Lumberjacks totaled seven shots in the game with only two being on target. Whereas Montana took 15 shots with eight being on target.
"During the first 20 to 25 minutes of the game we put a lot of pressure on Montana," said head women's soccer coach
Andre Luciano. "We were unlucky to not capitalize on several good chances. The game took a swing in the Grizzlies favor in the second half. Montana is a physical and strong team that is well organized on their back end."
Halfway through the game everything was still tied up at 0-0 as neither team could breakthrough for the first goal of the game. The Lumberjacks best chance of the half came off of the foot of freshman
Sam Larberg from outside the box. The shot was destined for the back of the net until UM's goalkeeper Claire Howard made a diving save. The half ended and the 'Jacks goalkeeper
Taryn Benham had already tallied up three saves.
"We knew it was going to be hard to get behind the back of Montana's team," added Luciano. "We got beat by a better team today."
The Grizzlies were able to control the possession for the second half. Northern Arizona was able to dodge its first real scare of the match in the 50
th minute when Montana got a penalty kick off of an NAU handball. The Grizz's Taryn Miller ended up missing high. Unfortunately for the Lumberjacks, Montana broke through for the first goal of the game in the 55
th minute from Janessa Fowler. The 'Jacks would have 35 minutes to look for the equalizer but were unable to find it. The closest chance that NAU had was on a cross to sophomore
Paige Maling. Although getting off a good shot, UM's Howard was there to save it.
"We have a really good team that has had to overcome a lot of adversity over the course of the season," concluded Luciano. "This year we had to establish a new identity. Ultimately at the end of the day we need to be able to execute at the end of the season. I am proud of this team and how far they have come and particularly proud of our seniors and where they are leaving this program, I do not think today is a reflection of our season and the future is bright for NAU soccer."
Even with a first round loss in the Big Sky Championships, the 2018 Northern Arizona women's soccer team put together a record breaking year. The 'Jacks defense set a record for the longest stretch in program history without allowing a goal at 684 minutes. Although this season is ending there is a lot to look forward to for Northern Arizona as all five of its All-Big Sky nominees will be returning for the 2019 season.
