Phoenix, Ariz. (August 26, 2018) – Northern Arizona was able to pull out a 1-0 overtime win against Grand Canyon University off of a GCU own goal. This is the second straight overtime win for NAU. The goal came off of a
Heather Donais cross into the box, in the third minute of the second overtime that resulted in a GCU own goal.
"The goal was something that we touched on at half of the overtime's about hitting the ball a bit deeper to Heather and letting her run to it," head coach
Andre Luciano said. "Monty hit an incredible ball with the right texture and weight and Heather did a fantastic job of going end line for the cross. Luckily it deflected off a defender and trickled into the goal. But that goal was a byproduct of effort."
The Lumberjacks after the win now move to 3-1-0 on the season, as they ride a three game winning streak. While Grand Canyon moves to 1-3-0 with the loss.
The first half showed a NAU team that could not get much going as they were outshot 6-4, with the 'Jacks not being able to get a single shot on net.
The second half, showed a much improved Lumberjacks side, as they were able to outshot the 'Lopes 8-1. Freshman
Ana Rivera and junior
Tatum Heeres were able to get shots off on the net, but GCU's goalkeeper Abby Burton was able to come up with the saves.
"I do think that as the game wore on and we used our bench that the game shifted in our favor starting in the second half." Luciano said.
As the game moved into the overtimes, NAU was finally able to make the best of an opportunity with Donais' cross that turned into a GCU own goal.
Sophomore
Taryn Benham was able to record her second shutout of the season, as she recorded four saves on the night.
The Northern Arizona University Women's Soccer team will be making hosting Army on Friday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. MST.
