@UNC_BearsSoccer blanks UI for a second time advancing to a second-straight title game

Friday, November 2

Ogden, UT

Noon

University of Northern Colorado

12-7-1

University of Idaho

9-7-3

Northern Colorado

IDAHO

Maddie Roberts had a goal and an assist to help the Bears eliminate the Vandals.

11/2/2018 4:19:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Ryan Ronan

OGDEN, Utah – Idaho got to the semifinals of the Big Sky Tournament on the strength of its defense, so one thing that was going to be imperative to the Vandals success was not falling behind early. Maddie Roberts and Northern Colorado came out looking to do just that the Bears controlled the play through the early minutes, but hadn't found the scoreboard yet. Roberts changed that with one great run and an incredible shot.

"They had a corner kick and have some really tall girls so we knew we had to get the ball out quick. We did that and I was able to get out on a run and the defender gave me a lot of room, I think she thought I was just going to cross it. I saw my shot and just took it," said Roberts.

Twenty-one seconds later Idaho was still reeling from the instant offense attack and UNC came right back and Roberts set up Taylor Bray, which made it 2-0 Bears and that was all she wrote for the Vandals. Bray added another goal in the second half and UNC advanced to its second-straight tournament title match with a 3-0 win.

"Maddie gave me a good crossing pass and I made my run and was able to finish with my head near post," said Bray.

Jumping on their opponents is something the Bears have done countless times this season and has proven to be a key to their success.

"We came out pretty well but had a little bit of a flat period. So for us to rebound and get that early goal by Maddie and then not let down and get the second one right after was great for our team," said UNC head coach Tim Barrera.

Idaho had only allowed three goals once this season, on the flip side they had only scored more than two goals three times this season. So when Mariel Gutierrez set up Lexi Pulley in the box and forced Makayla Presgrave to come out and make a save, one she wasn't able to control the rebound on, which allowed Bray to get not one, but two chances at the back of the net and the sophomore didn't miss a second time, which made it 3-0 Bears.

"Being the team that played on Wednesday you are always worried a little about the fatigue, we saw a little bit of that, but I am proud of how we controlled the game. I was pleased with our ability to score three goals and defend their set pieces," Barrera said.

MATCH NOTES
- Bray became the second UNC player to score two goals in the Big Sky Tournament, joining Gutierrez.
- Idaho allowed 19 goals in 19 matches this season, UNC scored six of those.
- The Bears defense can get overlooked, but came to play against UI. Taylor Washington and the UNC backline didn't allow the Vandals to score in 180 minutes worth of action this season.
- This will be the second-straight and third time in four years UNC will play for the chance to advance to the NCAA Tournament.