@UNCBearsSoccer back to winning ways with victory over Thunderbirds

Friday, October 7

Greeley, CO

7:00 p.m.

University of Northern Colorado

7-5-1, 2-2

Southern Utah University

2-8-1, 1-3

SUU

Northern Colorado

10/7/2016 10:40:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Thomas Hoffman, uncbears.com

Greeley, Colo – Northern Colorado returned to the friendly atmosphere of Jackson Stadium Friday night to face Southern Utah. After a tough road trip, it was all UNC in the affair, as the Bears won handily 3-1 over the Thunderbirds.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bears and their offense looked to get things going early and often. Shots from Isabella Beal, Mariel Gutierrez and Brooke Braden were each turned aside, but it was clear Northern Colorado was on a mission to jump out in front early.

Southern Utah managed a couple of scoring chances, finishing the first half with six total shots, two of them on goal. However, a determined Madeline Burdick was positioned perfectly for both saves.
UNC's offense kept pushing, seeing shots from Thalia Kusulas and Jaqui Pulley. In fact, the Bears' balanced attack Friday, had eight different players record shots.

With 25 second left to go in the first half, Kassy Castillo found the ball at her feet near the top of the box. Her shot, rang of a Thunderbird defender and Mariel Gutierrez found herself in perfect position to cap off the Bears' first goal of the game.

To begin the second 45, Northern Colorado wanted to continue building upon the momentum it had created in the first half.

Only two minutes in, a poor Southern Utah clearance, gave the ball right to Sydney Schroeder. With only green grass between her and the Thunderbird goalkeeper, there would be no stopping Schroeder, tucking the ball neatly into the corner, and giving the Bears the 2-0 advantage.

Things began to settle down and Northern Colorado would only sparingly test its chances at pressing forward with a two goal lead already in hand.

In the 84^th minute, Maddie Roberts, who spent all game long racing to the end line, delivered a sensational cross to Mariel Gutierrez, who finished off her second goal of the night and seventh on the season.

Southern Utah wouldn't leave Greeley in shutout fashion, though. In the 85^th minute, Madeline Burdick sprawled out for a diving save. Unfortunately for Bears fans, the rebound came right to Devri Hartle, scoring her first of the season.

Hartle's goal proved too little too late, however, as Northern Colorado tightened its defensive unit and sealed their second Big Sky Conference victory of the season.

KEY STAT
20 shots for the Bears tonight, coming from eight different players.

MOST VALUABLE BEAR
Mariel Gutierrez – scored her sixth and seventh goal of the season.

IN THEIR WORDS
Mariel Gutierrez, Sophomore Midfielder
"It feels really good to get a win here tonight. Coming off a loss like that against Idaho State, I think we all had the feeling in the back of our heads that we needed to get the job done tonight."

Taylor Kochevar, Sophomore Defender
"It hurts your pride, especially as a defender, to lose like we did last week. Coming back and being able to show that we can defend and holding strong throughout the game was a big point of emphasis for us."

"Communication is really the key for us to be successful each night. We all know when and where we need to step and the Midfield does a great job dropping in to help us out."

Tim Barrera, Head Coach
"We were looking for a better team effort tonight. We wanted to see the girls stay within the concepts that we've worked on. I certainly think we did that. We got a little tired about 40 minutes into the first half. Fortunately, we scored a goal a little after that."

"I am very pleased with the performance tonight. Certainly, there are some things that we need to work on going forward. They put a little more pressure on us in the second half, pushing numbers forward, but overall, very happy with the outcometonight."

NOTABLES
-Kassy Castillo picked up her first assist of the season
-The Bears now improved to 5-0 at home this season
--Maddie Roberts recorded her fourth assist in 2016, keeping her in the top three in conference in the category
-Brooke Braden led the team with five shots, three of them on goal
-The Bears are now only one point outside the top six in the conference (Top 6 at the end of the season qualify for the conference tournament).

UP NEXT
The Bears continue their home stand on Sunday when they take on Northern Arizona. All games at Jackson Stadium are free and open to the public.