Bray Powers Bears Past Vikings

Friday, October 18

Greeley, Colo.

7 PM

University of Northern Colorado

6-9-3, 4-1-2

Portland State University

4-11-0, 3-3-0

Portland St.

Northern Colo.

10/18/2019 10:04:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Northern Colorado defeated Portland State 3-1 at Jackson Stadium

By: Matthew Kushar, UNCBears.com

Northern Colorado stayed perfect in Big Sky home games with a 3-1 win over Portland State on Friday night. Taylor Bray powered the Bears with two first half goals and the defense limited the Vikings opportunities.

"We like to squeeze their back and if we can keep the ball through the midfield, we can spring somebody," head coach Tim Barrera said. "We broke pressure at midfield and [Bray] had two really good finishes. At home, with a little bit breeze behind us, we wanted to get the first goal. Its homecoming weekend and a big crowd showed up so we wanted to get out in front."

UNC [6-9-3, 4-1-2] improved to 3-0 at home in the conference after another strong offensive performance. The Bears out-shot the Vikings 17-6, with Bray firing off five, with three on net.

Bray's first goal came in the eighth minute, breaking away from the Portland St. defenders and delivering the strike past Vikings goalie Enya Hernandez. Less than 10 minutes later, Bray had an even more impressive breakaway from midfield and knocked in her second goal of the night.

"I remember from watching the tape that they played a really high line," Bray said. "If I could come back and play the ball through, I could get away from them. Its important to score early and it pumps you up for the rest of the half."

It was Bray's third and fourth goals of the season, tying for the team lead with Olivia Seddon.

Lexi Pulley scored her second goal of the season only 23 seconds into the second half to give UNC a comfortable, 3-0 advantage.

Ashley Franza played well, making two good saves in the first half. The sophomore lost the shutout in the second period as the Vikings managed to slip one past her in the 74^th minute.

"We did want to keep the ball and we were able to swing it around the back a little bit. I happy with how the back four played. Ashley made a fantastic save early," Barrera said.

UNC possessed the ball for 54% of the game and limited Portland State to only 8% in their box.

"It always very helpful when we keep it in their defensive half, and we can keep attacking. It feels good to get all of those shots off," Bray added.

UNC now is in a good position to make the Big Sky Tournament in Greeley and looks to work towards a first-round bye.

"Coming into tonight, we wanted to put ourselves in the tournament. We're in pretty good shape from a tournament standpoint. For us, the big thing is Sunday against Sacramento State. They are undefeated in the conference with a bunch of ties. We'll take it game by game," Barrera added.

What's Next
Northern Colorado continues the home stretch of the regular season at home on Sunday against Sacramento State, with kickoff scheduled for 1 pm(MT). The Hornets are undefeated in the Big Sky.