NAU Soccer Drops Home Opener to GCU, Falling 3-0 to the Lopes

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (September 3, 2021) - Northern Arizona soccer suffered a 3-0 loss to Grand Canyon University on Friday night at the team's home opener. GCU scored all three goals in the second half to top NAU tonight. After the Lopes win, the series record moves to 6-3, NAU leading. 

The Lumberjacks faced some offensive struggles, which led to their defense being challenged more by the Lopes forwards in the second half of the match. Grand Canyon's offense, led by senior forward Marleen Schimmer, controlled their side of the ball well and found openings to score from quick passes.

NAU struggled to move past the Lopes defenders which forced them to work from further back in the zone and put on some far shots that GCU goaltender, Jordan Ferguson, was able to pick up. 

Eight minutes after halftime, Camryn Larson found her way to the back of the net with a header after a smart pass from Mikaela McGee came through three Lumberjack defenders through a crowded goal box, giving GCU their first goal of the night. 

Marleen Schimmer was awarded a penalty kick in the 75th minute of the match, scoring the Lopes second goal. Ten minutes later, Jaycee Iranshad went for a close shot one on one with NAU goalkeeper Natalie Manzo, and squeezed past her to put the Lopes on top 3-0. 

As the Lumberjacks haven't been able to get in the win column through their first five matches, a lot of eyes are on the team's confidence and drive to be able to bounce back. Senior forward Madison Montgomery is clear on her belief in her teammates and what NAU soccer is looking to while moving forward.

"I definitely think we have a special group of players, we're just not playing to our full potential. A lot of us have a fire lit under us still from last year getting kicked out of the tournament and I think I'm just riding on that and people's will to win, and I think it's there. We're still finding our footing, and we are playing hard teams. Our schedule is tough, so it's hard on the confidence but we have to remember why we're here and that conference is gonna be a much different game," Montgomery said.

The Lumberjacks will head to Phoenix next week for a pair of neutral games. NAU plays New Mexico on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. MST. They will also face Denver on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. MST.