FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (October 7, 2018) – Two early goals led Northern Arizona to a 2-0 win over Big Sky opponent Sacramento State. The goals came off of shots from
Haleigh Van Allen and
Kayla Terhune in the first ten minutes.
"I was most impressed with our energy in the first ten minutes of the game," NAU head coach
Andre Luciano said. "The fact that was scored two goals in the first two minutes is something we haven't done this entire season. I was also impressed with how disciplined our team was with sticking with the game plan. Every player that played today was able to stick to their role."
The win on the afternoon will improve Northern Arizona to 8-3-2 on the season and 4-0-1 in the Big Sky Conference. The 'Jacks are currently second in the conference, as they sit behind Weber State who is 5-0-1 in the conference. The loss will push Sacramento State to 3-10-2 on the year, while going 2-4-0 in the conference.
From the start of the game the Lumberjacks were able to control both sides of the field as they out-shot Sacramento State 16-5. The five shots against is the second fewest on the year.
"This is the strongest team that we have had in my four years," Van Allen said. "We don't step on the field to play for ourselves, but instead we play for each other and that's why the team chemistry is so high."
The 'Jacks offense was able to get things going early as they put up the first goal of the game in the 8
th minute off of a shot by Terhune. The goal was setup off of a shot by
Victoria Cooper, which reflected off of the Hornet's goalkeeper Kaylyn Evans. After the reflection, Terhune was able to be at the right place at the right time and put the ball into the back of the net. This was her third goal of the season and the second in conference play.
Less than thirty seconds later, the 'Jacks were able to strike for their second goal of the game off of the foot of Van Allen. Van Allen was able to fight through defenders to connect with a pass from
Carly Gamble. This goal marked Van Allen's second goal of the season.
With the early two goal lead, NAU didn't take its foot off the petal and kept applying pressure for the entirety of the game. A free kick by Gamble that hit off of the post was the Lumberjacks best chance to put up a third goal on the afternoon.
The Lumberjacks were able to show dominance on the defensive side of the ball as well. The 'Jacks were able to swarm around the field and create havoc on the Hornets players all game as they held Sacramento State to just five shots on the afternoon, with two being on target. This game marked the seventh shutout of the season for
Taryn Benham and the Lumberjacks defense. The seven shutouts moves Benham up the record books, with the fourth most shutouts in a single season for NAU.
The Lumberjacks will look to continue their winning ways on the road as they will travel to take on Northern Colorado on Friday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. MST and Montana on Sunday, Oct. 14 at 11 a.m. MST.
