Thunderbirds Lose Close 1-0 Decision at Northern Arizona

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Sept. 5 - Despite a 19-12 advantage in shots, Southern Utah women's soccer found itself on the losing side of a 1-0 decision at Northern Arizona Friday night. The loss drops the Thunderbirds to 0-3-0 on the season, while the Lumberjacks improve to 2-2-1.

SUU recorded the first shot of the evening as junior Laura Goodrich cracked a shot on goal 55 seconds into the game that was saved by NAU keeper Tori Rocke, one of nine saves for the freshman on the night. Neither team would ultimately find the back of the net in the first half with Southern Utah recording eight shots to the Lumberjacks' five.

The deadlock was short lived as Northern Arizona drew an early corner 50 seconds into the second half. NAU's Cee Cee Odorfer served up a ball that was headed by Brenna Boies passed SUU keeper Sutton Fox for the first and only goal of the night.

Southern Utah's best chances came late in the game as Kristen Fronk blasted a free kick that extended Rocke to her right, but the freshman made the diving save leading to a corner kick for the T-Birds. Almost 30 seconds later, sophomore Allison Goettsche's shot drifted inches over over the cross bar. The T-Birds showed anything but surrender in the final half, compiling 11 shots to NAU's seven, but was unable to breakthrough with an equalizing goal.

Seniors Erica Berlin and Shaley Ipson-Allen led all Thunderbirds with five shots and four shots, respectively. Both players recorded two shots on goal. Boies' goal was her first of the season.

SUU will be back in action on Saturday, Sept. 13 when the Thunderbirds return to Cedar City for a home contest against Utah Valley University. That game is scheduled to start at 2:00 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

#8 Erica Berlin: F; 5' 3"; Freshman

#25 Sutton Fox: GK; 5' 8"; Freshman

#15 Shaley Ipson-Allen: F; 5' 8"; Freshman

#6 Laura Goodrich: MF; 5' 7"; Freshman

#3 Kristen Fronk: D; 5' 6"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#8 Erica Berlin
: 5' 3"; Freshman
: F

#25 Sutton Fox
: 5' 8"; Freshman
: GK

#15 Shaley Ipson-Allen
: 5' 8"; Freshman
: F

#6 Laura Goodrich
: 5' 7"; Freshman
: MF

#3 Kristen Fronk
: 5' 6"; Junior
: D