200 wins at UNC for Barrera and a dream start to the Big Sky season for the Bears

Friday, March 19

Pocatello, Idaho

4 p.m. MT

University of Northern Colorado

1-1-0, 1-0-0

Idaho State

0-2-1, 0-1-0

Team	1	2	Final F
Northern Colo.	2	0	2
Idaho St.	0	0	0

3/19/2021 7:14:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: By Thomas Hoffman, UNCBears.com

POCATELLO, Idaho – After waiting an extra week for the start of its Big Sky season, Northern Colorado Soccer couldn't have dreamed of a better start, grabbing a dominant 2-0 win over Idaho State.
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Right from the first whistle, the Bears were on the front foot.

Four minutes in, Mackenzie Bray dialed up the first shot for UNC. Though she didn't find the back of the net, the unrelenting pressure would be a sign of things to come.

Finding space on both channels, UNC utilized its speed and athleticism, finally breaking the deadlock in the eighth minute when Kaitlyn Meeder cleaned up a rebound.

Eight minutes later, Northern Colorado had a free kick 35 yards out from goal. Olivia Seddon delivered an inch-perfect delivery, allowing Lexi Pulley to head it home and give the Bears a two-goal advantage.

Both Meeder and Pulley scored on their only shots of the first half but UNC's pressure gave Seddon, Mackenzie Bray and Melina Farris multiple looks at goal each.

Defensively and in the midfield, the Bears were simply dominant. While Morgan Bury stayed vigilant between the sticks, her back line and defensive midfielders worked together tactically, making sure Bury didn't see a single shot, let alone one on goal.

Ashley Franza got the nod to start in goal in the second half. Idaho State made it a little more difficult on Franza than they did Bury but the junior was up to the task.

Each of the three shots that came her way, Franza was quick to save.

Even with a two-goal lead, Northern Colorado didn't look to sit on its laurels. The Bears still produced four shots and forced four corners.

The speedy freshman Melina Farris led the team with three shots, one on goal.

As the game wore on, UNC's counter-attacking threat continues to bother the Bengals. With the clock ticking down, the Bears lined up for one last corner. Though the horn blew before Lexi Pulley's right boot laced the ball into the net, the Bears had well-earned its 2-0 victory.

Post-Match Thoughts
Head Coach, Tim Barrera

"I'm pleased with the way we played today. We were able to create plenty of chances early and often, keeping them at bay for most of the first half. Any time you limit a team to zero first-half shots, that's a pretty good 45 minutes. Give credit to Idaho State in the second half. They made it a bit harder for us. We have some things to work on before Sunday but a win is a win, especially for the first game back and we look forward to matching up against them once again on Sunday."

"Two very good goals today. The first from persistent pressure from us. Oliva [Seddon] with a great service into the box and a nice finish from Lexi [Pulley] for the second. We created plenty of chances but need to be a bit better in the final third going forward."

Game Notes

Head coach Tim Barrera collected his 200^th win as a Bear.
Lexi Pulley and Kaitlyn Meeder each scored their first goals of the season.
Senior Olivia Seddon recorded assists on both Northern Colorado goals.
UNC defense held ISU without a shot in the first half.
Morgan Bury and Ashley Franza combined for the shutout.

What's Ahead
Northern Colorado stays in Pocatello for one more match against the Bengals on Sunday. Kickoff is slated for noon MT.

To stay up to date on all things UNC soccer, visit UNCBears.com and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.