@UNCBearsSoccer clinches Big Sky postseason birth with win over UND

Friday, October 28

Greeley, CO

6:00 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

10-7-2, 5-4-1

University of North Dakota

2-14-2, 1-9

North Dakota

Northern Colorado

10/28/2016 9:35:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Thomas Hoffman, uncbears.com

Greeley, Colo – Needing a win to ensure themselves a spot in the Big Sky Conference Tournament, Northern Colorado got right to business Friday night, taking down North Dakota for the ninth consecutive time to secure a postseason birth.

How it Happened
The scenario was already set.

Portland State had failed to defeat Sacramento Sate at home, meaning a win for the Bears Friday in Greeley and the defending Big Sky Conference Tournament Champions would be headed back for another crack at the crown.

Knowing the stakes at hand, UNC's offense turned the heat up early and often, earning six corner kicks in the first 45 minutes alone and 12 total shots.

Maddie Roberts, who has been a human assist machine this season, crossed a beautiful ball into the box at the 21^st minute mark. Sophomore midfielder Mariel Gutierrez did the rest, tucking the ball neatly into the back of the net, giving the Bears the 1-0 early advantage.

North Dakota took their chances, however, sending forward attackers on several counter plays. Senior goalkeeper, Alyssa McGuire kept sturdy in goal, turning aside any would be scoring opportunity.

At the end of the first half, Northern Colorado led in every major statistical category, including goals scored, 1-0.

The second half proved to be much of the same version of the first. With a glimpse of that tournament birth in sight, Northern Colorado kept the foot on the peddle.

Fifteen minutes into the half, UNC earned yet another corner, the Bears finished with nine total on the evening. This time, senior Paige Morris would knife her header into goal, scoring her third of the season and giving the Bears a vital cushion with 30 minutes remaining.
McGuire came up with four saves in the second half, finishing her evening with six.

The Fighting Hawks did not muster many dangerous opportunities for the UNC defense, and at final time, Northern Colorado had claimed victory and one of six spots in the Big Sky Tournament.

Key Stat
Shots – UNC finished with 27 (Highest season total), compared to UND's 17.

Most Valuable Bear
Alyssa McGuire – Six saves and her second career shutout in just her third game as a Bear.

In Their Words
Mariel Gutierrez, Sophomore Forward
"Coming into this game we knew we needed to get a win. We're very happy with the "W" and have a chance to play for another Big Sky Championship. It's another opportunity for us to prove to ourselves that we can win."

"I'm sure it's an amazing feeling for Hawaii (Alyssa McGuire). She's done an amazing job stepping up and backing us up as the last line of our defense."

Alyssa McGuire, Senior Goalkeeper
"Winning the whole thing last year, it means a lot for us to make it back to have a chance to win it again."

"The communication was amazing tonight. Not only communication with each other on where to be and what to do, but also keeping each other hyped up. I think as a team, we did a great job of that and that's a big reason why we came away with a victory tonight."

Tim Barrera, Head Coach
"Obviously, the best part about tonight is that we get to keep playing. We had a couple of stumbles in the conference, but I think we've grown from that. Ten wins in a season is always a good year."

"When the pressure was on this season, our players stepped up. We're a little disappointed to be down in the table, but we like our chances against any Big Sky team."

"Credit to all our seniors who we honored tonight. Alyssa has stepped up in a huge way and Paige Morris sealed the deal tonight, just like she's done numerous times on our set pieces."

Notables
-Mariel Gutierrez scored her tenth goal of the season.
-Maddie Roberts picked up her sixth assist of the year.
-Alyssa McGuire earned her second win in three games and second shutout.
-Northern Colorado clinched a spot in the Big Sky Conference Tournament.
-Senior Morgan Rynearson started Friday evening's match, her final start of her career.

Up Next
Northern Colorado will head to Cheney, Washington, site of the 2016 Big Sky Tournament host by the University of Idaho. The first games of the tournament are set for Wednesday, November 2. Stay tuned for seeding updates.