FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., Sept. 12 – Southern Utah met up with Grand Canyon University at the NAU Mountain Classic Friday night. The Thunderbirds (2-3-1) and Antelopes (0-4-1) played 85 scoreless minutes before two goals in the final five sent the contest into overtime. SUU freshman Abbie Flandro's second goal of the season in the second extra period clinched a 2-1 win for the T-Birds.
“Each and every player contributed to this win today. We are a strong team from players 1-26. It's an incredible group that is unified in their mission,” stated SUU head coach Becky Hogan.
The two sides were scoreless until, with less than final five minutes remaining in the match, Thunderbird midfielder Nancy Brich took a pass from teammate Kirsten Anthony and fired a shot past the GCU keeper for the go-ahead goal.
The lead didn't last long as the 'Lopes answered back with a score of their own in the 87th minute. GCU sophomore Riley Richardson was able to bend a free kick into the net to send the contest into overtime.
The first extra period went without a score, and then four minutes into the second two Southern Utah freshmen teamed up for the game-winner. Payton Bonino fired a shot that was deflected but Flandro was there to put away the rebound and the match, delivering the 2-1 victory for the T-Birds.
“Our defenders came up big again today and I was happy to see our midfielders improve their defensive effort as well,” commented Hogan. “This sort of toughness is a cornerstone of our program and I'm please with how we've developed in this area over the last year.”
SUU keeper Taylor Bolding recorded six saves and allowed just one goal over more than 104 minutes between the posts while Blakely Fraasch also made six stops for the 'Lopes.
Southern Utah fired off ten shots in the match, with eight of those coming on goal.
“We dominated this game from start to finish and had many opportunities to score,” explained Hogan. “This week in practice we need to get our attacking players back in front of the net and sharpen up some of their techniques.”
SUU closes out the tournament and its non-conference schedule on Sunday when it faces Wright State at 11:30 a.m. (MT). Live stats for the match will be available at www.suutbirds.com.
