FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (August 20, 2019) –The Lumberjacks will open the 2019 regular season with a pair of games in New York against Army at 4 p.m. MST on Thursday before concluding the weekend at Iona College on Sunday at 9 a.m. MST.
"What an opportunity to head to New York and play 2 great schools," Head Coach
Kylie Louw said. "The team has worked very hard over the past few weeks and this is our first 2 game weekend, playing across the country. I'd like to see how our team responds to adversity and challenges on the road."
Looking back: Grand Canyon University Exhibition
This past Friday, the Lumberjacks headed down to Phoenix to play against Grand Canyon University in an exhibition game, coming away with a 4-0 shutout win against their in-state rival. The team scored four goals against the Lopes, breaking open a 1-0 halftime game with three second half goals.
In the second half,
Madison Montgomery, a sophomore defender, scored NAU's first goal. Last year, she played 980 minutes on the field, and appeared in all 18 games while starting six. Montgomery recorded seven shots, four shots-on-goal and one assist.
Maddie Wheelock, a freshman coming from Medford, Ore. also assisted in scoring for the Blue and Gold. Before she became a Lumberjack, she played for St. Mary's School. She was recognized as the Southern Oregon Sports Commission Female Athlete of the Year, a two-time First Team All-State League MVP and a named three times to the First Team All-League. She was a starting letter-winner all four years.
Ana Rivera, a sophomore forward, was the third Lumberjack to score a goal against GCU. Rivera comes into the 2019 season after being a statistical leader for NAU last year. Rivera recorded three goals, with one against Southern Utah, Portland State and Northern Colorado. All nine of her shots were on frame for a perfect shot-on-goal percentage of 1.000 and she led the team with eight points for the season.
The final goal scored was an own goal.
This weekend: Army and Iona College
Army
Day: Thurs., Aug. 22
Time: 4 p.m. MST
Location: West Point, N.Y.
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For the second year in a row, NAU will play against Army. Last year was the first time the 'Jacks and the Black Knights met, ending the game in a scoreless tie. NAU will be traveling to face Army on their home pitch in West Point, N.Y. Last season, Army recorded a 7-6-7 record.
The Black Knights' main scorer was Megan Walsh, a midfielder who started in 18 games, playing in all 20. She tied for ninth in the Patriot League for goals with 9.
Their goalkeeper, Sydney Cassalia, recorded 10 shutouts during their 20-game season. During her 1,963 minutes played, she saved over 100 shots. Cassalia was named to the 2018 US Soccer Coaches' All-North Region First Team, the 2018 All-Patriot League Second Team and the 2018 Academic All-Patriot League Team.
"Army will be a tough opponent, they are organized, tough and strong," Louw said. "As we face this week head on, we will focus on our principles and prepare our team to find ways to win."
Iona College
Day: Sun., Aug. 25
Time: 9 a.m. MST
Location: New Rochelle, N.Y.
Live Stats
Northern Arizona will remain in New York through the weekend to face Iona College on Sunday. This is the first time that the Lumberjacks will play against the Gaels. Last year, Iona College went 3-13-2, winning against Sacred Heart University, Wagner College, and Fairfield University.
Out of the the Gaels' 16 goals scored, Amber Crispin, a senior midfielder, scored the most with six. Her 27 shots were second best on the team and her 16 shots-on-goal were tied for the team-best.
Faith Preziosi, a sophomore forward, scored the second-most goals at five. She also had the third-most points at eight, shots at 24 and shots-on-goal at 12.
"Sunday games are always tough," Louw said. "Iona will be an excellent challenge to see how our team responds from Thursday's game, regardless of result. I'd like to see quality minutes from all of our players this weekend."
Looking to home: Detroit Mercy
After returning to Flagstaff, the 'Jacks will face Detroit Mercy for the second time ever. NAU's home opener at Lumberjack Stadium will be Sunday, Sept. 1, with kickoff at 1 p.m.
