@UNCBearsSoccer delivers with huge road win at Eastern Washington

Friday, October 21

Cheney, WA

4:00 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

9-7-1, 4-4-0

Eastern Washington University

10-3-3, 4-2-2

Northern Colorado

Eastern Washington

10/21/2016 8:11:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Thomas Hoffman, uncbears.com

Cheney, Wash – Northern Colorado traveled west Friday to take on one of the conference's top contenders, Eastern Washington. On a cold and cloudy afternoon, it was the Bears who walked away with three points and the road victory by a score of 3-2.

How it Happened
Eastern Washington came out firing, throwing up two shots up in the first few minutes.

Only three minutes into the game, Allison Raniere sent in a beautiful cross that found the foot of Delaney Romero who buried the it into the back of the net, giving the Eagles the early advantage.

Trailing 1-0 for the third time in as many games, Northern Colorado looked to capitalize on opportunities that they'd missed in the previous two games.

At the 30^th minutes, Jacqui Pulley saw a wide open shot from the top of the 18-yard box. Her shot rang off the post, falling right to Paige Morris, who headed it in for her second goal of the season, and tying the game at one.

Eight minutes later, the Eagles responded. A free kick was awarded to EWU several yards outside the 18. Aimie Inthoulay took the direct kick and floated it just outside the outstretched arm of Alyssa McGuire.

Looking to climb right back into the game, Northern Colorado picked up the pressure offensively in the second half.

Twelve minutes into the half, UNC was awarded a free kick just inside the Eastern Washington attacking side of the field.

Brooke Braden launched a ball into the box, where Mariel Gutierrez was lurking, ready to finish her ninth goal of the season, but more importantly, she put the Bears back in a tie with the Eagles, 2-2.

Kenzie Engelkins, who has earned ample playing time for the Bears in the last four games, subbed in at the 67^th minute and immediately began to make an impact on the field.

Mariel Gutierrez gave the freshmen midfielder a lead pass in thed 80^th minute that crossed up goalkeeper Mallory Taylor. Engelkins coraled the pass, slipped past Taylor and found the back of the net for her first career goal, giving the Bears their first lead of the game.

Lead in hand, the Bears leaned heavy on their defensive back four to close out what would be an important road victory.

Seniors Madeline Chase and Paige Morris led the charge, not only clearing away would be scoring opportunities for the Eagles, but keeping possession, letting the clock wane down to zero.

At final time, Northern Colorado claimed the 3-2 victory. With two games remaining in the season and the Big Sky Conference Tournament race tight as ever, UNC's victory has them poised for a fight to the finish.

Key Stat
Saves – Earning her first start of her career, Alyssa McGuire came up with six huge saves to lead the Bears to victory.

Most Valuable Bear
Kenzie Engelkins – The freshmen from Colorado Springs has earned her well deserved playing time on the field as of late. Her goal in the 80^th minute catapulted the Bears not only to victory over Eastern Washington, but up the Big Sky Conference table as well.

In Their Words
Tim Barrera, Head Coach
"I was really pleased with the overall effort. Everyone came together and really gave an incredible team effort. It was a huge victory for us and now we'll turn our attention toward Montana."

"I thought you saw a lot of maturity, especially from our seniors today. Madeline Chase, Kassy Castillo and Paige Morris really held down the fort for us defensively."

"Alyssa (McGuire) had a tremendous game. She really stepped up at a time when we needed it most. Credit to her and credit to our assistant, J. Landham for getting her prepared for her first ever college game."

Notables
-Alyssa McGuire earned her first start and captured her first win of her career.
-Kenzie Engelkins scored her first goal in a UNC uniform.
-Mariel Gutierrez picked up her ninth goal of the season.
-The Bears now move up three spots into sixth in the Big Sky Conference Conference standings (Top 6 make the tournament).

Up Next
Northern Colorado busses east to Missoula, Montana for a bout against Montana on Sunday. They'll return home for senior night, and the 100^th game ever to be played at Jackson Stadium, on Friday October 28.