Women's Soccer Set for Season Opening Weekend

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (August 16, 2018) - Northern Arizona women's soccer team is about to hit the road as its 2018 campaign is kicking off this weekend.  The Lumberjacks open the 2018 regular-season campaign with two road games this weekend, starting with University of Portland on Friday, Aug. 17 and Cal State Northridge on Sunday, Aug.19.

In their one preseason exhibition last Saturday, Aug. 11, the 'Jacks showed an explosive offensive attack as they were able to take down Arizona Christian University, 8-1.

"A big thing going into the season we worked on is getting numbers forward and looking to finish the opportunities that we created," NAU head coach Andre Luciano said.

 Both Ari Gonzalez and Sam Larberg were able to put together multi-goal games, while the defense did not allow a shot in first half.  The exhibition was a great time to allow the 'Jacks to get a large number of players game experience as 30 squad members saw action, including all three goalkeepers.

NAU is coming off a 9-10-1 season and finished tied for fifth overall in the Big Sky standings.  Entering this season the Lumberjacks are ranked fourth overall in the Big Sky Conference Preseason Poll and feature a total of 10 newcomers and 22 returners.

Breakdown of the University of Portland game
Time: Friday, Aug. 17 at 7 p.m.
Live Stats: http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=223598
Video Link: http://www.wccsports.com/gamecenter/w-soccer/gc-081718-port.html
 
The Lumberjacks will be starting the season on the road as they head to Oregon to take on University of Portland.  This is the first match between the teams since 2008.  Portland has brought in head coach Michelle French after the team had a tough 2017, finishing 5-13-1. French was not only a player for the U.S. Women's National Team at the 2000 Olympic Games.  She is also currently an assistant coach for the U.S. Women's National Team since 2017.  Portland has a rich history in the collegiate soccer world as it has won two national championships, with the last one coming in 2005.

"Merlo (Field) is one of the great venues in college soccer. It is usually one of the top attended venues," Luciano said.

The team is returning Larkin Russell who was tied for the team lead in goals (2) and second in total points (4). The Pilots will also be returning their goalkeeper Rachel Lusby.

 "It's a new coaching staff so they want to set the tone. The players are going to come out really hungry trying to prove themselves to the coaching staff," Luciano said.

Breakdown of the CSUN game
Time: Sunday, Aug. 19 at 1 p.m.
Live stats: http://www.sidearmstats.com/csun/wsoc/
Live Video: http://bigwest.sidearmstreaming.com/watch/?Live=1299

The 'Jacks will hit the pitch again with a quick turnaround two days later against CSUN.  The Matadors finished the 2017 regular season with a record of 9-4-8 and lost in penalty kicks in the Big West tournament final against Cal State Fullerton.  CSUN will start its season on Friday night at Illinois State.

"Every team (in the Big West Conference) is very technical and clean," Luciano said.

The Matadors will be returning seven starters who played in nine or more games the during the 2017 season.  The team will have to replace its all-time leading scorer forward Cynthia Sanchez.

"The (Matadors') players are very organized and tough; they are able to get into your faces," Luciano stated.