FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (August 14, 2022) - NAU soccer ties with Hawaii, 1-1, in Sunday night exhibition match in Lumberjack stadium.
The Lumberjacks once again proved their offensive capabilities on the field, holding Hawaii to one goal while pushing pressure through the defense.
"We're building confidence and it is an opportunity early in the season through exhibition for our players to understand what they are capable of, build confidence, prove that what we're working on in training is going to come through in the game and I thought they did that today," head coach Kylie Louw said.
The match started off a little slow for each side as both teams adjusted to the rain and field conditions. Trinity Corcoran started in goal for the 'Jacks, while Lauren Marquez started in goal for Hawaii.
Leading returner for Hawaii, Kelci Sumida found an opening in the 37th minute of the match, scoring Hawaii's lone goal, assisted by Eliza Ammendolia.
The Lumberjacks answered quickly as Taylor Gomez checked in to the match, and stepped up right outside the box for a free kick as Emilie Bennett was fouled at the line. Gomez sent a quick shot on the ground to the left corner of the goal, giving NAU their lone goal of the match and bringing the game to a tie.
"Taylor came in and she said she wanted it, she told me after the game that she felt it," Louw said. You need players that know their ability and that have confidence, she stepped up tonight and it paid off."
As the teams were tied at the half, each coach decided to swap goalkeepers as Ashley Williams came in for the 'Jacks and Sophie Augustin came in for Hawaii.
Williams played high out of the box, challenging multiple Hawaii forwards on the run, diving for the saves. Through two exhibition matches, all three goalkeepers have played for the Lumberjacks, showing the team's depth at the position.
"All of our goalkeepers are doing awesome, they are competing against each other and they just make each other better. The game landed into Ashley's strength in the second half and that's what she's good off, being quick off the line." Louw said.
Augustin was forced to make five saves for Hawaii as NAU created multiple set pieces for themselves and stepped up into the box.
Gomez came up on the right side of the box, sending a quick shot to the right corner which Augustin saved and bounced back out. Josie Novak came in for the second shot to the bottom center which Augustin saved, and Gomez took the third consecutive shot which went out just left of the goal.
The 'Jacks proved their chemistry just ahead of Thursday's regular season start, as the team hosts Utah State at 7 p.m. in Lumberjack stadium.
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