Women's Soccer 8/21/2011 10:23:00 PM SUU Strategic Communication

Southern Utah Claims 3-1 Win Over Northern Arizona

CEDAR CITY, Utah – Southern Utah evened their record this season Sunday, claiming a 3-1 victory over visiting Northern Arizona. The Thunderbirds executed well and demonstrated their ability to compete in their future conference with the win.

“This was a big win for us”, stated SUU head coach Brian Stock. “NAU was picked to win the Big Sky this year and has a great tradition of success.”

The Thunderbirds got on the board first as Sabrina Hernandez tallied her first goal of the season in the 38th minute. Southern Utah coupled a well-timed run from the sophomore forward with an excellent pass from midfielder Elyse Osborne to set up a one-on-one chance with the NAU goalkeeper. Hernandez was able to chip a shot over the charging keeper and into the net to give SUU a 1-0 lead.

Southern Utah held the advantage at the break but the Lumberjacks would respond early in the second half, when in the 47th minute Northern Arizona forward Katie Tribbey played a well-placed cross to teammate Sarah Tarver who headed the ball into the back of the net to level the score at 1-1.

“One thing that we are working on is learning to play comfortably with a lead,” said Stock of the tying goal. “Every game in this part of the season is a lesson, and we learned that today.”

With the score even Southern Utah continued to press the attack, which resulted in a tremendous opportunity in the 71st minute when a foul by NAU defender Emily Roth gave the Thunderbirds a free kick from just outside the right corner of the box. Morgan Bridge bent the ball to the far post where midfielder Missy Lazcano was able to get a head on it for the go-ahead goal, making the score 2-1 in favor of SUU.

Northern Arizona made several pushes in an attempt to capture an equalizer in the final minutes of the game, but the Thunderbird defense continued their solid play and was able to withstand the attacks. After turning back one attempt Thunderbird midfielder Riley Bassett found herself open in the middle of the field where she took a pass from Osborne and fired a shot from 25 yards out. The ball curved just under the crossbar and over the outstretched arms of the NAU keeper to clinch the game for SUU with a score of 3-1.

“Going into the second half I told Riley that if she had a good shot within 40 yards to take it,” explained Stock. “She has had some good chances this year and was just waiting to connect on one.”

The Thunderbirds will take to the road next week to compete in the Northern Arizona Tournament in Flagstaff. Southern Utah will face Northern Iowa on Friday, August 26 at 4:00 p.m. and then square off against the Drake Bulldogs on Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#10 Riley Bassett: MF; 5' 11"; Senior

#9 Morgan Bridge: MF; 5' 7"; Junior

#20 Sabrina Hernandez: F; 5' 6"; Sophomore

#6 Missy Lazcano: F/MF; 5' 6"; Junior

#5 Elyse Osborne: MF; 5' 4"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#10 Riley Bassett
: 5' 11"; Senior
: MF

#9 Morgan Bridge
: 5' 7"; Junior
: MF

#20 Sabrina Hernandez
: 5' 6"; Sophomore
: F

#6 Missy Lazcano
: 5' 6"; Junior
: F/MF

#5 Elyse Osborne
: 5' 4"; Senior
: MF