FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (July 18, 2022) - The Northern Arizona soccer team is heading back into action this fall with a program high of 13 home matches in Lumberjack Stadium, kicking off their season with an exhibition match against the University of Arizona on Aug. 7.
Returning to the pitch after a 8-11 season in 2021, NAU looks to bounce back into a full schedule, starting the season off with a seven game homestand.
"It's very exciting that our players will have such a great opportunity to play at our home, in front of fans, family and friends," Head Coach Kylie Louw said. "I am thrilled for the Lumberjack spirit we have on display and we intend to use this as an advantage for our team with the support of our Lumberjack community."
The 'Jacks will get their chance at redemption against the Arizona Wildcats after falling 2-1 in Tucson last August. In an exhibition match, NAU and Arizona will go head to head in Lumberjack Stadium at 1 p.m. MST on Sunday Aug. 7.
The Lumberjacks will take on the University of Hawaii in a second consecutive exhibition match at home one week later. The 'Jacks and the Rainbow Warriors will kick off at 7 p.m. MST on Aug. 14.
Beginning regular season play, NAU is set to host Utah State on Thursday Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. MST, followed by Utah Tech on Sunday, Aug. 21 at 1 p.m. MST. The 'Jacks fell to Utah State in an early season matchup last year, 2-1 in Utah. NAU topped formerly known as Dixie State, Utah Tech, 2-0 in St. George last season where rising junior Maddie Shafer scored a goal for the 'Jacks.
Closing out the teams first homestand, NAU hosts South Dakota State on Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. MST, UCSD on Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. MST, and Georgia Southern on Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. MST.
The Lumberjacks will head on the road for their first away match of the season, hosted by Cal State Bakersfield on Sept. 9 at 7 p.m MST. Returning home for two final non-conference home matches, NAU will host Air Force and Ottawa on back to back Sundays in Lumberjack Stadium, with both matches scheduled for 1 p.m. start times.
Beginning the longest road streak for the Lumberjacks, the team heads to Loyola Marymount on Friday Sept. 23, followed by San Diego on Sept. 25, closing out the regular season non-conference portion of the 'Jacks schedule.
NAU will begin Big Sky Conference play on the road with a trip to Ogden, Utah to take on the Weber State Wildcats on Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. MST. The 'Jacks last faced the Wildcats on Oct. 8 2021, where NAU completed the 4-1 upset in Flagstaff. Graduate Student Mikhail Johnson scored the 'Jacks second goal of the night, marking her first career goal as a Lumberjack.
Idaho State will host the Lumberjacks for a Sunday matchup on Oct. 2, set to kick off at noon. The 'Jacks will then return home for their first two Big Sky home games against Eastern Washington and Idaho on Oct.6 and Oct. 9, respectively.
Closing out the away schedule NAU heads to Greeley, Colo. for a Thursday night game against the Northern Colorado Bears on Oct. 13, where the 'Jacks look for redemption after falling to UNC in last season's matchup 2-0. The team will finish the trip in Missoula to face the Montana Grizzlies on Oct. 16 at 11 a.m. MST.
NAU will host one Friday night matchup in Lumberjack Stadium on Oct. 21, taking on Sacramento State for the first time since the two teams Big Sky semi finals matchup last season, where the Hornets topped the 'Jacks 1-0.
Finishing out the regular season, the 'Jacks will face Portland State on Sunday Oct. 23, honoring the senior class one last time in Flagstaff. The Big Sky Championships will return to Greeley, Colorado Nov. 2-6.
"Our staff and athletic administration have put a lot of effort into securing as many home games as possible, we recognized the importance of a balanced schedule that puts our players in great positions to perform," Louw said. "We hope the fans come out and enjoy the energy we have as much as we enjoy it."
To stay up to date with NAU soccer as the team heads into season this fall, follow the Lumberjacks on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Check out the full schedule here.
