FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Redshirt-sophomore keeper Charly Booth make a career-high 11 saves for
Southern Utah University who dropped a non-conference match to Northern Arizona
University 3-0 in Flagstaff, Ariz. Saturday afternoon.
The Thunderbirds had their record fall to
2-3-1 overall while the two-time defending Big Sky Conference champion
Lumberjacks improved to 3-3-2. Despite the impressive play by Booth in between
the posts, NAU was able to record three scores in the first half which proved
to be enough for the win. Northern Arizona scored goals on a pair of corner
kicks and penalty kick all within the first 22 minutes.
Junior forward McKenzie Hadley just missed
putting the Thunderbirds on the board midway through the first half, firing one
from just inside the 18-yard box but the NAU keeper made the save at the right
post.
Booth made six saves in the first 45 minutes
and highlighted the first half with a diving save in the 36th
minute, elevating towards the left post and knocking the ball just over the
cross bar to record the save.
The Thunderbirds put together a great scoring
chance 20 minutes into the second half as senior midfielder Erin Wright was
fouled as she was taking a shot. Redshirt-sophomore forward Stacey Brinkman took
the ensuing free kick and sent one towards the right post but had it knocked
away by the Lumberjack keeper. The ball did manage to stay in the box and a
number of players all rushed to gain possession but NAU was able to clear to
turn away the SUU threat.
Booth excelled in the second half for the
Thunderbirds, making a number of athletic saves to keep Southern Utah in the
match. The Bountiful, Utah native made five stops in the second half but the
Lumberjack defense held tight and spoiled a number of SUU scoring opportunities.
The Thunderbirds will stay in the Flagstaff
to face the Air Force Academy in a neutral site match slated for a 1 p.m. (MST)
start.
