OGDEN, Utah (October 25, 2024) — Northern Arizona University women's soccer (3-7-5, 3-3-1) clinched a spot in the Big Sky Tournament with a 2-1 win over Weber State (2-12-5, 1-5-1). The Lumberjacks now secure their place among the conference's top six teams heading into the postseason.
The Wildcats started strong, testing NAU goalkeeper Trinity Corcoran in the fourth minute with a low, right-footed attempt by Ali Swensen that Corcoran saved.
A Weber State handball in the 14th minute awarded NAU midfielder Avery Ott a free kick, but her shot on goal was saved, denying the Lumberjacks an early advantage.
NAU found a breakthrough in the 25th minute on a fast break that led to a foul on Micala Boex inside the box. Boex converted the penalty kick with a low shot to the left, marking her second goal of the season and putting NAU ahead 1-0.
Weber State responded in the 31st minute when Sammie Safonia scored off a right-side cross, marking her fourth goal of the season and leveling the score at 1-1.
At halftime, Weber State led in shots with 11 to NAU's 2. Corcoran was key in goal, recording six saves in the opening half to keep the game level.
The Lumberjacks came out strong in the second half, pressing the Wildcats and dictating play. In the 55th minute, Ott sent in a free kick that nearly converted, setting up Valerie Llamas for a close miss.
In the 62nd minute, Joey Lujan scored her third goal of the season off a corner from Boex, capping NAU's third corner attempt within the first 17 minutes of the half. Lujan's goal proved decisive, securing NAU's lead.
In the second half, both teams had four shots each, with Weber State holding a 15-6 shot advantage overall. The match was physical, with 22 fouls—13 committed by NAU.
Lujan led NAU offensively with two of the team's four shots, both on goal. Corcoran finished with nine saves on 15 shots, allowing only one goal.
The Lumberjacks now head to Idaho State for their final regular-season match Sunday evening before competing in the Big Sky Championship in Missoula, Montana. For the latest updates, follow NAU Soccer on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.
