MISSOULA, Mont. (October 16, 2022) - Northern Arizona picked up their fifth straight in Big Sky play, picking up the 2-1 win in Montana for the first win against the Griz since 2013.
Just under two minutes into the match, NAU took the early lead as Allison Veloz found her third goal of the season. Montana's defense was working to clear the ball from the box, as Veloz came in and applied pressure, capitalizing on some off communication for the Griz, scoring on an empty net.
In the ninth minute, the Griz were able to score the equalizer off a header from Delaney Lou Schorr. Schorr awaited a long boot from Ava Samuelson, connecting quickly for the header goal inside the box to bring the score to 1-1.
With six minutes remaining, Maddie Shafer took a corner kick for the 'Jacks, sending it right into the mix of NAU and Montana players, where the Griz were able to clear the ball.
Montana was awarded a free kick with two and a half minutes left in the half, from just about fifteen yards outside NAU's box. The ball was sent into the box, as NAU's Avery Ott stepped in and dribbled the ball out of the box, clearing it up to midfield.
Each team saw equal possession throughout the first half, the 'Jacks headed into halftime leading the shot count 8-3.
With thirty minutes left in the match, Montana saw one of its best chances as Griz forward Skylight Thompson received a pass inside the box, heading it for a shot, missing over the top of the goal.
NAU followed with a chance of their own from Dai Williams. Williams showed off her footwork to beat a Montana defender, sending a shot from right outside the box, forcing Griz goalkeeper Camellia Xu to make her sixth save of the match.
Veloz picked up her second of the day with just 21 minutes remaining in the match, off a long pass from Maszton as she cleared the side. Maszton sent the ball ahead of Veloz in Griz territory, as Veloz sped up to go one on one with Xu, scoring her second and bringing the Lumberjacks the 2-1 lead.
With five minutes left in the match, the Griz seemingly scored the equalizer, ultimately called off by the referee as the forward was called for the foul on NAU goalkeeper, keeping the score 2-1 in Missoula.
Trinity Corcoran got the nod for the start in goal for the 'Jacks today, making one save from Montana's single shot on goal.
The Lumberjacks will host Sacramento State and Portland State for the final week of Big Sky regular season play at home in Flagstaff next weekend.
