Flagstaff, Ariz. (September 14, 2018) – Northern Arizona was not able to recover after an early goal from Arizona State University, leading to a 1-0 loss.
With the loss, NAU falls to 4-3-1 on the season as they head into conference play next week, while the win pushes ASU to 4-2-0.
"We were chasing the game for a little bit too long," said NAU head coach Andre Luciano. "The sophistication level of ASU's players was apparent."
Arizona State came out fast and strong as they got their first shot off within the first 30 seconds of the game. Soon after, in the 5th minute, the Sun Devils were able to connect off the foot of Marleen Schimmer for a goal.
From this point on, the Lumberjacks were able to settle in and the game balanced out. At the end of the first half NAU was out-shot 7-3. Northern Arizona's best chance of the half came shortly after the ASU goal when Victoria Cooper was able to get a shot off on net. Unfortunately, the Sun Devils' goalkeeper, Nikki Panas, was able to come up with the save.
The second half was a stalemate as neither team was able to breakthrough for a goal. NAU had many chances inside the box but were unable to capitalize with any shots in the half. The 'Jacks ended the night being out-shot 10-3.
Although allowing the early goal, Taryn Benham had a huge impact on the match as she was able to come up with a career high eight saves on the night.
"Taryn did a great job in terms of positioning," said Luciano. "A goalkeeper's job is to keep her team in the game and that's what she did. She kept her team in the game today."
The Lumberjacks will be back in action next week, as they start conference play against Idaho State on Friday, Sept. 21 at 3 p.m. MST. The 'Jacks will finish off their weekend against Weber State on Sunday, Sept. 23 at 11 a.m. MST.
