FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (August 27, 2023) – The Lumberjacks held up the pace with Pac-12 opponent, Arizona, falling 2-1 in Sunday's matchup at Lumberjack Stadium.
"I'm just super proud of this team, this is the team that we've been waiting for and it is still early on in the season, but we knew that we could compete with this team if we brought the right mindset and I thought today we did that," head coach
Alan Berrios said.
NAU (1-2-1) proved their competitive edge in today's matchup with the Wildcats, although the Jacks were unable to equalize late in the second half. NAU came out of the gate strong, controlling possession through the first ten minutes of the match. Arizona picked up the pace as Nicole Dallin converted on one of the Cats first opportunities of the match, scoring her third goal in just as many matches.
Dallin picked up on a turnover from NAU's back line, dribbled through the box and found the back of the net on the right corner. The Lumberjacks remained calm with about 75 minutes remaining in the match.
NAU saw a big opportunity from transfer
Holly Hunter as she sent a corner kick in from the right side, forcing Arizona's keep Hope Hisey to make a jumping save with traffic in front of the goal.
With 12 minutes remaining in the first half, Arizona was awarded a free kick about ten feet outside the box on the right side. Corcoran had a touch on the initial shot; however, the ball was still live as it bounced off NAU's keeper, giving Arizona a second chance that Corcoran scooped up for the save.
Joey Lujan answered on the other side for the Jacks, taking a free kick just outside the box, as the Kansas State transfer put a shot on goal where Hisey had to make another jumping save for the Wildcats.
Kayla Shebar started the second half off for NAU offensively, just about eight minutes in as she took a shot just outside the box surrounded by two Arizona defenders, going wide left.
Ten minutes into the second half the Wildcats picked up a 2-0 lead off a Cameron Valladares goal. The sophomore forward picked up a pass just ahead of midfield while dribbling up the field into the box and found the back of the net for the first time this season.
Just after checking in for the Jacks,
Haylee Phoenix converted off a
Logan Maszton throw-in to put the Lumberjacks on the board. Phoenix's goal marks her first of the regular season, as she found a deflection from an Arizona defender and was able to sneak a shot past Hisey just in front of the goal line.
The Lumberjacks continued to push the Wildcats offensively, while Arizona remained settled in while holding the lead. Arizona's Desiree Foster sent a dangerous shot from just outside the box, hitting the crossbar and bouncing back into play. The Cats were awarded a free kick moments later, taken by Shanti Weddington whose shot was out high.
The Wildcats held on for the remainder of the game to head back home with their first victory of the season.
The Lumberjacks will return to the pitch on Thursday at home, hosting Oregon for a 7 p.m. MST game start. To stay up to date with NAU Soccer, follow the Jacks on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
