FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (October 9, 2022) - The Lumberjacks knock off No. 1 Big Sky opponent with a 1-0 victory to the Idaho Vandals on Sunday, completing a family weekend sweep in Flagstaff.
Giving the Vandals their first Big Sky loss of the season and just their second loss total of the season, the 'Jacks snapped Idaho's four game win streak. NAU secured the victory with a buzzer beater by Maddie Shafer just ahead of halftime.
"Huge win, playing against number one and number two this weekend we knew we had a big uphill battle. The team worked really hard and was really focused this week, the biggest reason we got the results is because we were organized," Associate Head Coach Alan Berrios said.
The Lumberjacks came out to start the match with some offensive heat, making back to back corner kick chances early on, applying some fast pressure to Idaho's defense. Just six minutes into the match, Logan Maszton sent a long throw-in into the box, creating a scoring opportunity for the 'Jacks as Mikhail Johnson put the shot on, quickly scooped up and saved by Idaho keeper Kira Witte for her first save of the match.
In the 22nd minute of the match, Kayla Shebar intercepted a pass from Idaho defender to goalkeeper Witte in an effort to get a goal kick and clear the box. Shebar picked up the pass and moved behind Witte, shooting on an empty net, just missing wide left.
With 18 minutes left to go in the first half, Idaho picked up some offensive momentum, sending dangerous back to back shots on goal, forcing Corcoran to pick up the saves. Margo Schoesler ripped a fast shot from just outside of the box off the right side, ultimately wrapped up by Corcoran. Just thirty seconds later, Alyssa Peters took a shot from the top left of the box, getting a tough bounce into Corcoran's hands.
With just seconds left in the first half, Shafer drove up midfield, taking the shot from about ten yards outside the box. The ball hit the low side of the cross bar, getting the angled bounce in for NAU's lone goal, to put the 'Jacks up 1-0 ahead of halftime.
After the goal, the referee originally let the play continue, ruling the bounce off the bar not a goal. The assistant referee, who had the best angle from the right side of the field, ruled it a goal, noting the bounce into the goal line rather than outside.
Shafer's goal keeps her leading the team in points with 14 total, and is her third game-winner of the year. The junior leads the conference in game-winning goals, as well as points, while second in goals (5) and third in assists (4).
The second half was slower as NAU looked to hold on to the lead, moving its focus more to the defensive side of the ball. Abby Donathan made a huge clearing kick inside the box with two minutes to play, taking the ball away from Idaho forward Hannah Alfaro as she had the chance to go one on one with Corcoran inside the box.
Corcoran made four saves in her third consecutive shutout, sixth of the season. With six shutouts, Corcoran moves into the No. 8 spot for all time career shutouts for NAU, as well as No. 6 in single season shutouts for the Lumberjacks.
The 'Jacks will head on the road for two Big Sky matchups next week as they will take on Northern Colorado on Thursday and Montana on Sunday.
