ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (August 20, 2023) – The Lumberjacks earned a 0-0 draw at the University of New Mexico as NAU's defense proved to be crucial in the second half.
NAU moves to 1-0-1 on the season as the Lobos pick up their second draw of the season while still searching for a victory in the 2023 season, moving to 0-0-2.
"I thought we competed well against a very good team today. Our team has a great mindset, they have completely bought in to what we are trying to do," head coach
Alan Berrios said.
Erin O'Connor made the start for NAU, creating one of the earliest chances for the Jacks. O'Connor came up the left side, setting
Allison Veloz up with a pass as Veloz's shot went out just top right in the seventh minute of the match.
Trinity Corcoran started the match for NAU, making multiple break-ups in the first half, with her first save coming in the 40
th minute of the match as UNM's Skye McMillon found the ball with some room on the right side, sending a shot on goal just inside the box, as Corcoran picked up a diving save.
With wind playing a factor into the match, the Jacks were still able to settle in quickly, putting up six shots in the first half with two on goal, all while holding the Lobos to just one shot on goal through the first 45. 14 free kicks were awarded in the first half as NAU committed eight fouls while UNM had six.
"We knew coming into this game we were going to face an aggressive and athletic team," Berrios said. "It was important for us to stay composed under pressure and resolve the situations being thrown at us."
Natalie Manzo started the second half for NAU, quickly being tested in the box from the Lobos' Nicole Anderson, forcing Manzo to make her first save. Just moments later, UNM's Presley Devey went head-to-head with Manzo, sliding a shot past Manzo and just missing off the post.
In the 59th minute of the match
Holly Hunter created a chance while breaking up to New Mexico defenders, sending a pass just in front of the box to
Dai Williams who tapped a shot on goal, while UNM's Alli Davis was saved by a Lobo defender who cleared the ball out.
After a missed opportunity on a corner set piece, UNM saw a second chance from Natalie DeGagne who had a quick shot in between NAU defenders, going wide left.
Grace Quinn came up with back-to-back deflections for NAU as the Lobos created chaos in front of the net with three players in position to score in the 75th minute. Minutes later,
Joey Lujan made a crucial block for the Lumberjacks as Mercedes Morris had an opportunity on an open net.
Manzo made her second save of the game in the 83rd minute off a free kick from the Lobos. On the counter-attack, Williams put a shot in goal with some distance in between forcing UNM keeper, Davis, to make the fourth save of the game.
"I'm super proud of this team, getting two very good results on the road isn't easy," Berrios said.
The Lumberjacks will now head back to Flagstaff as the team will make their home debut in the regular season, hosting CSU Bakersfield on Friday night, and Arizona on Sunday afternoon.
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