FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (September 18, 2025) – A first-half goal downed the Northern Arizona women's soccer team as it fell to Grand Canyon, 1-0, on Thursday evening inside Lumberjack Stadium. The loss snaps a six-game unbeaten streak for the Lumberjacks, who close non-conference play with a 3-2-4 mark.
NAU was paced by
Avery Ott with six shots.
Micala Boex took four, while
Madisyn Marchesi added three. The Lumberjacks outshot GCU (5-3) 22-10, forcing 12 saves from the Antelope keeper.
Reece Reichwald made her eighth start between the posts and played all 90 minutes, making three saves.
Ott wasted no time attacking after kickoff, getting a shot on goal that hit the crossbar in the third minute. Both teams got deep into each other's attacking territory early, drawing four corner kicks in the first ten minutes.
Olivia Bos was next to try breaking the tie, as she ripped one in the 27th minute that was just over the crossbar.
Shortly after, GCU broke out in transition and took a shot on goal that was saved by Reichwald, but the Antelopes found the back of the net a moment later to make it 1-0 in the 29th minute. The 'Jacks did not allow a shot on goal the rest of the half, but went into the break down by one.
The match continued in attacking fashion, as the second half saw a combined 11 shots before the 65th minute as NAU searched for an equalizer. The 'Jacks were able to muster a couple of opportunities for a goal, as they held possession in the attacking zone for a stretch of minutes in the middle of the half, but then were held without a shot for eight minutes until Boex took another rip at the goalie in the 82nd minute. NAU was able to earn a corner kick in the 86th minute, but GCU cleared and held on for the win.
NAU will remain home as it welcomes Big Sky preseason-favorite Montana to Flagstaff on Thursday, Sept. 25 to open conference play. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. and can be streamed on ESPN+.
Stay up to date with Northern Arizona soccer by following the Lumberjacks on
X and
Instagram.
