FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (September 11, 2024) – NAU Soccer will take on one in-state opponent this week in the Grand Canyon University Lopes, with the match kicking off in GCU Stadium at 7 p.m. MST.
NAU is heading into their first series of the season where the Lumberjacks lead the series history, 6-3-0. It has been three years since the Arizona teams have met on the pitch, with GCU earning a 3-0 victory in Phoenix in the last matchup played in 2021. Prior to the 2021 matchup, NAU held a three-match win streak over the Lopes, with two of those victories coming on the road for the Jacks.
The Lumberjacks are seeking the first win of the 2024 campaign, coming off back-to-back losses last week as NAU hosted Utah Tech on Thursday and then headed to Colorado Springs for a Sunday matchup with the Air Force Academy. A second half go-ahead goal from Utah Tech would seal Thursday's match at a 2-1 final, while a weather delay would stop momentum for the Jacks and end the match at 1-0.
Holly Hunter and
Joey Lujan lead the Jacks in field player minutes with 445 a piece. Lujan has tabbed one goal and one assist on the season, leading the team with three points alongside
McKenzie Coleman and
Deniah Wells. Coleman found the back of the net for the first time as a Lumberjack against Pennsylvania while Wells grabbed hers in the draw at Arizona State.
Trinity Corcoran leads the Jacks in goal, posting 405 minutes on the season with 26 saves and a .788 save percentage. Corcoran saves and save percentage ranks second in the Big Sky Conference.
The Lopes will enter Thursday's matchup coming off their first loss since the season opener, claiming a 4-2-1 record. Prior to the 1-0 loss at Loyola Marymount on Sunday, the Lopes held a three-match win streak over Little Rock, North Dakota State, and Air Force.
Grand Canyon is currently averaging 1.57 goals per game, while putting up 13.9 shots. Ellie Crisler, Bella Piete, and Reese Clem all lead the Lopes with two goals apiece while five other players each have one goal on the season. In goal, DeAira Jackson leads the team with 613 minutes, 22 saves, and a 0.846 save percentage.
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