Northern Arizona Women’s Soccer Remains on the Road as it Takes on Southern Utah

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (September 28, 2018) – The Northern Arizona women's soccer team will be taking on Southern Utah University on Sunday, Sept. 30 in Cedar City, Utah. The Lumberjacks currently have a record of 5-3-2 on the season, while being 1-0-1 in the Big Sky Conference.  Last weekend the 'Jacks went 1-0-1 as they beat Idaho State 3-2, while ending in a 0-0 tie against Weber State.

While on the road against Idaho State, NAU fell down early 1-0 but were able to overcome the deficit by the end of the game and win 3-2. Scoring these goals for the Lumberjacks were Haleigh Van Allen, Paige Maling, and Ari Gonzalez.  On Sunday, the 'Jacks fought hard against Weber State taking them into double overtime but were unable to pull out a win.  During the game, NAU had 5 shots on goals.

"It would have been better to have two wins and six points instead of four points, but it's still early in the season and we are approaching every training session and game like were 0-0 in conference," NAU head coach Andre Luciano said.  "The goal is to take points away from people on the road."

Coming into this weekend, Southern Utah University is 1-10 on the season, with their most recent game being a loss to Idaho State University.  The Thunderbirds are currently ranked 10^th in the Big Sky Conference.

2018 Notables

• Tatum Heeres leads the team in assists with four, which is currently tied for second in the Big Sky Conference
• Taryn Benham has four shutouts on the year, which is tied for the lead in the Big Sky Conference
• Six different players (Victoria Cooper, Kayla Terhune, Kylie Kapustka, Ari Gonzalez, Haleigh Van Allen, Madeline Waszak) have scored one goal each, while Sam Larberg and Paige Maling have two each
• Northern Arizona has allowed the second fewest goals in the Big Sky Conference with 10
• Carly Gamble has played in all but 65 minutes on the season
• Northern Arizona leads the Big Sky in average home attendance at 947 per game

 
The Scout
Southern Utah University
Day: Sunday, Sept. 30
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Cedar City, UT.
Coverage: Live Stats | https://bit.ly/2NEmnbQ  Watch Live | https://bit.ly/2C4LQKg

The Thunderbirds are coming off of an 8 game losing streak with their most recent game being a 1-0 loss to Idaho State. SUU will be entering Sunday's match with an overall record of 1-10 on the season.  This will be their third conference game of the season.

"It's a difficult place to play as the field is long and the grass is thick. You can't possess and move the ball as we would want to," Luciano said.  "They are going to be dangerous. If you look at their home games they have all been close, as they haven't given up much. They beat UNLV 2-0 at home."

Southern Utah's offense is struggling to find the back of the net on the year as they only have seven goals in its eleven games.  The Thunderbirds are led offensively by Devri Hartle and MaKenzie Lawrence on. Lawrence leads the team with three goals on the season, whereas Hartle has two goals on the season. Hartle is also tied with a team lead 2 assists.

"They are good at what they do which is they play an up down and through direct game," Luciano said.  "They are successful with this play style as they have some players with some pace."

The Southern Utah's defense has seen its fair share of struggles at it has allowed 193 shots on the season.  That is 17.5 shots per game. In net the Thunder birds have seen a trio of goalkeepers, with Briana Aldridge seeing the majority of the time.  As a unit they have combined for 71 saves, which leads the Big Sky Conference.

Looking Ahead
Northern Arizona will be finally be back home next weekend as they continue conference play against Portland State on Friday, Oct. 5 at 7 P.M. and Sacremento State on Sunday, Oct. 7 at 12 P.M. This will be the Lumberjacks first home game since September 14.