CHENEY, Washington (October 19, 2023) – With a spot in the Big Sky Conference tournament on the line, the Lumberjacks (9-4-3, 4-2-1 Big Sky) rose to the pressure and picked up a 1-0 victory at Eastern Washington.
The conference tournament berth marks eight straight seasons in the Big Sky tournament. The Jacks ninth win of the season ties the most regular season program wins since the 2018 season.
The Lumberjacks opened up the match with clear determination as NAU was able to quickly control possession. Just three minutes into play, the Jacks were awarded a free kick outside the right of the box as
Maddie Shafer sent a boot in just in front of Kiara Matson.
Allison Veloz looked for the Jacks first opportunity just as EWU's defenders were able to clear the ball out.
The first ten minutes of play saw three offsides calls, two going against the Jacks and one against Eastern Washington as both teams tried to put the first shot of the game up.
11 minutes in, Shafer tested Matson for the first time in the match as she put up a shot from the right side of the box, forcing the Eagles' keeper to make a diving save for her first of the day. Following, EWU was awarded a free kick from about fifteen feet outside NAU's box. Corina Froehle stepped up to take the kick, sending a shot straight to
Trinity Corcoran in goal for the Jacks who made her first save of the game.
With 22 minutes remaining in the first half,
Holly Hunter sent a pass up the field to Veloz as Veloz dribbled into the box and sent a tough shot on goal, forcing Matson to make a jumping save, giving the Jacks their first corner kick.
In the 31
st minute, Maddie Morgan was awarded a penalty kick after Corcoran was called for interference. Morgan, who is 3-for-3 on penalty kicks this season, aimed for the bottom right corner as Corcoran made the correct read and picked up the save, keeping the match scoreless.
NAU went into the break with six shots on goals, nine fouls, and six offsides calls. The Eagles put three shots on goal while receiving seven fouls and three offsides calls.
The Jacks quickly kicked things off in the second half as
Dai Williams found Veloz inside the box. Veloz took her shot, ultimately blocked by Matson for a corner kick within the first minute of the second half. The Eagles were able to get a head on the ball first to clear it. NAU's defense came out strong once again, holding the Eagles off from advancing the ball.
Eastern Washington found their best opportunity of the match with back-to-back shots on goal. Elisabeth Cole caught Corcoran off the goal line, looking to put the Eagles on top as
Jaylin Borden filled the gap and blocked the ball on the goal line. Corcoran recovered to make another save for the Jacks off a Maddie Morgan shot from the left side.
Logan Maszton sent in a flip-throw in for NAU, quickly finding Hunter just outside EWU's box. Hunter put a tough shot on goal as Matson jumped to record the save. The Eagles quickly cleared the corner kick and began the counterattack down the stretch. Maddie Morgan raced up the right side, putting a dangerous shot on as Corcoran got a hand on it and NAU's back line was able to clear the deflection out.
With 13 minutes left in the match,
Avery Ott netted her second goal of the season while
Erin O'Connor recorded her first career assist for the Jacks. With the ball in EWU territory, O'Connor intercepted the Eagles attempt to clear, setting up a pass inside the box to Ott who was left alone and was able to find the back of the net sneaking past Eastern Washington keeper in the top right corner.
Trinity Corcoran recorded a season-high eight saves against the Eagles for a full 90-minute match in goal for the Jacks while earning her third solo shutout in the 2023 slate. NAU outshot EWU 22 (12) – 17 (10).
The Jacks will now head to Idaho to take of the Vandals in the final regular season match of the season on Sunday at 12 p.m. MST. The match will determine seeding for NAU in the upcoming Big Sky Tournament. To stay up to date with the Lumberjacks, follow NAU Soccer on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
