RIVERSIDE, Calif. – For the first time this season, the Northern Arizona women’s soccer team trailed in a game and the Lumberjacks responded with a goal in the second half to give the Lumberjacks the tie 1-1 at UC Riverside. The Lumberjacks have not lost a game yet this season.

“At halftime I told them it was going to be a measure of their character,” said head coach Andre Luciano. “They put our midfielders under a lot of pressure and we responded. I’ll take a 3-0-1 record and post a 2-0-1 record in California to start the season.”

UC Riverside was able to get on the board first scoring in the 21^st minute by Sammy Arellano that gave Riverside the 1-0 lead. After allowing the goal in the first half, goalkeeper Lauren Weaver and the Lumberjacks held Riverside scoreless in the second half and overtime.

Despite trailing for the first time this season, the Lumberjacks responded with a goal from junior midfielder Savannah Berry in the 63^rd minute. Berry’s first goal of the season tied the match at 1-1 and sent the match into overtime.  Weaver stepped up in this road trip in California allowing only one goal in 200 minutes of play.

“Lauren Weaver was fantastic today,” said Luciano.  “She played like a senior tonight, steady and brought great leadership and she is the reason why we will be in a lot of games this year.”

Every goal the Lumberjacks have scored this season has been in the second half, outscoring their opponents 5-2 in the second half of play. Despite being outshot 22-13, Northern Arizona were able to capitalize on fewer shots forcing the tie to remain undefeated on the season. 

“It was a test of our character because we have not trailed this season,” said Berry. “There was no doubt that we were going to come back and get a result in this game.”

The Lumberjacks will get a week’s rest between tonight and their next game as they head home to prepare for UNLV, Sunday Aug. 8 at Lumberjack Stadium.    

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