FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (Oct. 11, 2019) – After a cold, and tough, Friday night match, Northern Arizona women's soccer recorded its first home loss against the University of Montana (5-5-2, 4-0-0 Big Sky), falling 1-0.
"I'm in high spirits," head coach
Kylie Louw said. "We're growing and rebuilding. But every single person, including these coaches and these linesmen, has said that this team grind and work hard and it's one of the best teams they've seen in a long time."
The Lumberjacks did in fact grind during this matchup against Montana. Despite the Grizzlies one goal, the Lumberjacks played hard offensively, outshooting them seven to five. Each team had three shots on-goal. This is the sixth game in a row where NAU has outshot its opponent. In the Big Sky, NAU remains on top in shots, recording 185, averaging at about 14.23 per game.
The defensive line also played tough. In the 17th minute of the game, goalkeeper
Taryn Benham went one-on-one with Montana's Alexa Coyle, who outran her.
Amanda Bennett swiftly went into the box, entirely blocking a shot Coyle took. Later,
Madison Montgomery made a stopping tackle, completely knocking the ball away from the Grizzlies player. On many occasions, the 'Jacks were able to stop a scoring play from happening.
NAU held off Montana for over an entire hour before UM's Coyle scored in the 68th minute off a free kick from Allie Larsen.
Montgomery,
Mei-Te Coco,
Kayla Terhune,
Tatum Heeres and
Whitney Winans all recorded one shot during the match.
Carly George, who played as a midfielder during this match, took two with one on-goal. The other two on-goals were found between both Terhune and Heeres.
"This team gave it everything they've got, and that is what I'm proud about," Louw said.
Northern Arizona (5-6-2, 1-2-1 Big Sky) will continue its home weekend series against Northern Colorado (5-8-3, 3-0-2 Big Sky) this Sunday, Oct. 13 at 1 p.m. at Lumberjack Stadium.
"The good thing for us is there is a next one," Louw said. "We have to let this go and focus on winning the game on Sunday. There's always the next one."
