CEDAR CITY, Utah - Having won three of their last four games, all at home, the Southern Utah University soccer team is hot. They will look to keep things rolling this weekend when they host Northern Colorado and North Dakota for their final home games of the season.
Previously on Thunderbird Soccer
The Thunderbirds swept their opponents last weekend, winning back-to-back games for the first time since 2015. On Friday they beat Idaho State 2-1 in a game that saw the Bengals earn two red cards in the opening half. Payton Wells and Jahna Tacson scored goals in the win.
On Sunday the Thunderbirds put an exclamation point on a perfect Homecoming Weekend for SUU with a 2-1 overtime win over in-state rival Weber State. After trailing 1-0 at the half, Jessica French tied the game and MaKenzie Lawrence scored her team-leading fifth goal of the season for the win in the 98th minute.
Kaitlyn Caldera started both games in goal for Southern Utah and allowed just two goals on 20 shots faced. The junior made eight saves and lowered her season goals against average to 2.26.
Senior Day
Sunday's game against North Dakota will be the final home game for six Thunderbird seniors. Haley Adams, Abbie Flandro, Jessica French, Jahna Tacson, Ally Thimsen, and Payton Wells will all be taking the field for the final time. This is a group that has been core contributors since they became Thunderbirds in 2014. Together they have been responsible for 114 total points of offense over the years, scoring 43 goals and dishing out 28 assists.
All six will be recognized in an on-field ceremony accompanied by their families and teammates prior to kickoff on Sunday.
Scouting Report: Northern Colorado Bears
The Bears will roll into Cedar City on Friday October 13th with an overall record of 9-6 on the season. Northern Colorado is currently 3-3 in Big Sky play picking up wins over Weber State, Sacramento State, and Idaho. Senior Brooke Braden leads the offensive attack for the Bears, having scored five goals and dished out four assists so far on the season.
The Thunderbirds are 2-3-3 all-time when matched up with the Bears. Last year Northern Colorado came away with the 3-1 win in Greeley.
Scouting Report: North Dakota Fighting Hawks
The Fighting Hawks will come into the weekend with a 4-7-3 record so far on the season. North Dakota holds a 2-4 conference record with their two wins coming over Idaho State and Weber State. Junior Katie Moller leads the team with seven goals and one assist on the season.
The Thunderbirds hold a 3-1-1 record all-time against North Dakota. Last season they took their first loss, a 1-4 defeat in Grand Forks.
Match Info
Friday's match against the Bears is set to begin at 4:00 p.m. at the Thunderbird Soccer Field. Sunday's Senior Day match against the Fighting Hawks is set to kick off at 1:00 p.m. Live streams of both matches will be available on PlutoTV Channel 236. Live stats will be available at suutbirds.com.
Follow Us
Stay up to date during the 2017 Thunderbird Soccer season by following @SUUSoccer on Twitter and Instagram and liking the Southern Utah Soccer page on Facebook.
