OGDEN, Utah (September 29, 2022) - In a highly physical match to open up Big Sky Conference play on Thursday night, the Lumberjacks fell to the Weber State Wildcats, 1-0.
After two lightning delays, the match started an hour after the original start time in Ogden. Trinity Corcoran made the start in goal for NAU, making her first save just five minutes into the match as Weber State's Grace Kirby sent a long boot from the left corner of the field.
Brynlee Meyerhoffer took her first shot on goal for the Wildcats, creating a huge opportunity for WSU as the shot was going straight to the top of the net. Corcoran made a jumping save for the 'Jacks to send the shot out wide.
Kirby scored her first collegiate goal to put the 'Cats on top with 16 minutes left in the first half. Meyerhoffer dribbled up the right side of the field, sending a long pass into the box as she was able to connect with Kirby who got her head on it for the Weber State goal.
In the 30th minute of the match, Josie Novak stepped up to take a free kick about fifteen yards outside WSU's box. Novak sent a quick ball along the grass, ultimately deflected by a Wildcat defender, pushing the shot out left of the goal.
For the first time this season, NAU headed into halftime with fewer shots than their opponent, as the 'Jacks put up four and the Wildcats attacked with six.
Natalie Manzo started the second half for the Lumberjacks, making her first appearance on the pitch since NAU's regular season opener against Utah State on Aug. 18.
Both teams battled for possession in the second half, forcing each defense to work hard from the back line. With seven minutes left in the match NAU saw one of their best shots at an equalizer off a pass from Logan Maszton. Maszton saw Quinn ahead of her, sending the shot just inside of the box for Quinn to put up the shot, which was saved by WSU's Mekell Moss.
Maszton created her own opportunity just three minutes later as she was left alone on the right side of the field. Maszton sent a boot from just outside the box, hitting the crossbar on top of the goal, unable to tie up the match for the 'Jacks.
Throughout the match, Moss made four total saves for the Wildcats. For the first time this fall the Lumberjacks were outshot throughout the match (16-10). While the Jacks were outshot, they had equal shots on goal with the Wildcats, at four a piece.
The Lumberjacks will travel to Idaho State for an afternoon matchup in Pocatello on Sunday, as NAU looks to earn its first conference win of the season.
