University of Northern Colorado Athletics
University of Northern Colorado
8-5-1,3-1-0
Southern Utah
5-4-2,2-1-1
Coach Barrera Earns 200th Career Win
10/11/2014 1:03:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Coach Barrera Earns 200th Career Win as Women’s Soccer Hangs on Against Southern Utah, 1-0
UNCBears.com
GREELEY, Colo. - The Northern Colorado women's soccer team got a big win tonight against Southern Utah, 1-0, giving the Thunderbirds their first conference loss of the season. The win put Tim Barrera's club at 8-5-1 on the year and 3-1-0 in the Big Sky.
"Tonight was a big win for our team," said Barrera. "We really got some great play from our team and have put ourselves in a good situation so far in conference."
Senior forward Juliana Grover got things rolling for the Bears in the second minute of the game when she broke through the defense and scored her fifth goal on the season, giving Northern Colorado the early, 1-0 lead. Grover finished the night with three shots and two on goal.
UNC continued to pressure Southern Utah in the first half, firing off two corner kicks and eight shots.
"We did a great job defending our goal all game," Barrera said. "Kaitlin [Ruff] made some big saves tonight and our defense stayed strong for the shutout."
In the second half, Southern Utah put in motion of attempts for the equalizer. The Thunderbirds came close in the 75th minute, when Shelby Green fired a shot on frame only to be saved by Ruff. Ruff finished the night with six saves, moving her save total to 81 on the year and 12th all-time in Bears history for saves.
"I feel so safe with Katie in the back," said Grover. "She is an excellent keeper and this program is blessed to have her for a few more years."
Barrera also earned his 200th win as the leader of the Bears. Barrera is currently the all-time winningest coach in UNC history and has always been a top coach in the Big Sky conference.
"When you win 200 games, it only means you have been coaching for a long time" said Barrera. "Every game for me is fun and different, but what is most important is the win tonight, and what is does for our team going forward."
UNC will look to get their fourth conference victory this Sunday, Oct. 12 against Northern Arizona. Kickoff from Jackson Stadium is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
For the most up to date news on Bears Soccer, visit UNCBears.com or follow them on twitter at @UNCBearsSoccer.
Team Stats
GROVER, Juliana (5)
one-on-one with the keeper, scores
1:37
