FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - The Northern Arizona women’s soccer team shut out Long Beach State in their season opener and picked up their first win of the season by a score of 1-0.  Sophomore forward Malia Tano gets the Lumberjacks first goal of the year just 54 seconds into the second half.  Long Beach State came out firing nine shots in the first half, but the Lumberjacks defense was stellar all night giving goalkeeper Lauren Weaver four saves on the night.

“I think it’s a testament to how hard the team has worked this off-season,” said head coach Andre Luciano.  “Long Beach State is a very good team but we had a game plan, stuck to it and we defended well and got a great goal from Tano.”

Tano’s goal came from a pass by forward Haley Wingender and Tano was able to get the ball pass the goalie from 12 yards out. 

“Haley gave me great pass and I was able to place it in the far post and starting off the year like this I know we are going to go far,” said Tano, a native of California who had here family members in attendance of her game winning goal.  “It was awesome having my family there and scoring in front of them.”

Long Beach State outshot the Lumberjacks by 9 shots, but Northern Arizona was able to make the most of their opportunities. 

Luciano and his team look to carry this momentum into their home opener Sunday, Aug. 25, against Lamar who defeated Prairie View A&M Friday night, by a score of 3-2. 

“We are going to try and ride this momentum as much as we can but Lamar is a very good team so we have to come prepared and focus,” said Luciano. “We are going to enjoy this one but this game is in the books and we got to move on to the next one.” 

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