FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (August 30, 2026) –The Northern Arizona soccer team played the final 15 minutes of the contest a man down, and an 85th minute score from UTEP handed NAU a 1-0 loss on Sunday afternoon at Lumberjack Stadium.

NAU moves to 1-2-1 while UTEP improves to 3-0-2.

The Jacks outshot UTEP 22-14, including a 13-4 edge in the first 45 minutes. NAU also drew six corners while allowing just one from the Miners.

Lexi Saveski got the start in the goal and played the entire first half, making four saves. Emery Copeland made her collegiate debut and played the entire second period between the posts, making two saves.

Micala Boex took a season-high seven shots to pace the Lumberjacks, while Ava Hinske, Kaylee Muniz, Elliotte Kortus, and Valerie Llamas each recorded a pair of shots. Boex placed just one shot on target but had several that went just wide of the posts.

The Lumberjacks were assessed their first red card since November of 2019 in the 75th minute, as Maddie Jost was ejected for a foul just outside the 18 in UTEP's attacking zone. The damage initially was avoided, as the following free kick went high past the crossbar, but NAU then had to play the final 15 ticks of the contest with just ten players on the pitch.

UTEP was able to capitalize on the advantage shortly after, when a shot by Haley Lancaster initially deflected by Copeland bounced off the right post into the net for the score in the 85th minute.

NAU saw one opportunity for an equalizer when it was awarded a free kick due to a yellow card on UTEP in the 86th minute but was unable to get a shot on target as time expired.

The Lumberjacks play a pair of road matches next week, starting with a contest in Reno against Nevada on Sep. 3. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. MST and will be streamed on Mountain West Plus.