FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (August 18, 2022) - The Lumberjacks tied with the Utah State Aggies in 2-2 draw after NAU allowed zero shots in the second half.
Pushing Utah State's back line, NAU found themselves in control of the ball for the majority of the second 45. The opportunities were created, and allowed the 'Jacks to tie the game up with six and a half minutes left in the match.
NAU held an aggressive attack throughout the game, putting up 19 shots total, while only allowing USU to take five. The Aggies scored both goals in the first half, just 22 minutes apart from one another.
USU's Tess Werts saw her chance in the 7th minute of the game on a quick tip pass from Sammie Murdock who pushed the ball up into the box from a long free kick pass off of Kelsey Kaufusi.
The Lumberjacks didn't let the early goal stop their momentum. Mikhail Johnson showcased her footwork just ahead of midfield, sending a pass through two USU defenders to find Day Williams. Williams saw Avery Ott just in front of her and tipped the ball to Ott who did,'t hesitate to take the shot, finding the back of the net from the top left corner and tying things up.
"We knew what she was capable of, a freshman coming in and gaining some confidence is awesome and she does that in training all the time. The fact that she's able to step up for her team is something that we can rally around," Louw said.
Jordan Foraker did not let NAU hold the lead for long after she intercepted a pass from goalkeeper Ashley Williams and sent it straight to the bottom left of the net, giving the Aggies the 2-1 lead.
Down by one goal at halftime, head coach Kylie Louw gave her team a goal of holding the Aggies to zero shots, and the 'Jacks delivered.
"My challenge to them was zero shots on goal for the opponent and I wanted a ton of shots on goal for us, and they did exactly what I asked," Louw said. The second half no shots is a testament to the pressure we put on the back line of Utah State. Our back line was solid as well, it was a true team effort."
The Lumberjacks capitalized on putting pressure on USU's back line, creating set-piece opportunities while looking for something to land and tie the game up.
Grace Quinn stepped up after winning a one on one battle for the ball with an Aggie defender, sending a shot right into the box. USU sent a defender in the air in an effort to head the ball out of NAU reach, when the ball found the back of the net for an own goal, tying the match back up.
NAU soccer will be back in action in Lumberjack Stadium this Sunday to take on the Utah Tech Trailblazers in a 1 p.m. MST matchup, as the Blazers make their way to Flagstaff for the first time in program history.
