NAU Soccer Drops First Big Sky Matchup in 1-0 Loss to Montana

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (September 24, 2021) - The Lumberjacks fell to the Griz Friday night with a final score of 1-0. 

The match had plenty of action and chances, but the Lumberjacks shots didn't connect tonight. NAU outshot Montana, 16-13, with five shots from senior forward Madison Montgomery and four shots from fifth year returner Kylie Kapustka. 

Going into halftime, the teams were competing evenly, showing in the 0-0 score. The Lumberjacks showed impressive control on the back line, giving their offense chances which lead to eight shots on goal for NAU in the first half. In goal for NAU, Natalie Manzo, stopped five shots in the first half. Manzo faced some tough shots put up by Montana's forwards, making a few diving saves to keep the Lumberjacks in it early on.

The Lumberjacks saw multiple chances for goals, their best coming in the fiftieth minute of the match as Sam Larberg flew down the left side sending the pass right to Montgomery in front of the right side of the goal, where Montana's keeper Camellia Xu made a tough diving save, keeping NAU scoreless. Xu finished the night with eight total wins for the shutout.  

The Grizzlies recorded their game-winner in the 56th minute of the match, after the team was awarded a free kick. Redshirt senior Caitlin Rogers took the kick, sending it right in front of the goal box, where it took a bounce and sailed past Manzo for the goal for Rogers first goal of the season.

"The more chances you create, the more goals you can try and score, and we have to close that gap. We're creating chances but what type of chances are we creating. We'll look a little more specifically at that and see if we can improve some areas," Head Coach Kylie Louw said. 

NAU Soccer will be back in the Lumberjack Stadium to take on the Northern Colorado Bears for the first time this season. The match is set to kick off at 1 p.m. MST, and you can watch it here on ESPN+.