Lumberjacks Fall 2-1 to Aggies in Season Opener

LOGAN, Utah - (August 21, 2021) The Northern Arizona soccer team opened up the 2021 season with a 2-1 loss on the road against the Utah State Aggies. The Aggies scored both of their goals to top the Lumberjacks in the first 23 minutes of the match. 

After a 30 minute weather delay to start, the Aggies and the Lumberjacks kicked off the first half and the Aggies found themselves with a quick goal two minutes into play.

In the 20th minute of the match, Madison Montgomery picked up speed with the ball after NAU's defense cleared it out, sending the pass to Sam Larberg who scored on an open goal. USU followed with the eventful game-winning goal less than two minutes later. 

Opening the game in goal for the Lumberjacks was freshman Trinity Corcoran, who recorded three impressive saves and allowed both goals in the first half. Natalie Manzo started the second half for NAU, recording six saves and keeping the Aggies off the scoreboard.

"When you're figuring out a new team, you know we have 13 players who are coming in brand new, I was quite impressed with the way they responded. There were some adjustments we made on our end, but I was really happy with the way that the team tried to play with new players. It's a learning curve and I'm not too upset with the result. We will regroup and move forward with the positives from the game." Louw said. 

Despite the loss, the Lumberjacks attacked the Aggies offensively, putting up 12 shots with eight on goal. In addition to her assist, Montgomery led the team with six shots, four coming on goal, while Larberg added four shots herself. Mikayla Topaum and Maddie Shafer each recorded a shot on goal off the bench.

The Lumberjacks will head to Orem, Utah on Monday to face Utah Valley in the second match of the season. The game is set to start at 6:30 p.m. MST. Fans can watch the match here.