Bears share the points with NAU after late comeback

Saturday, April 3

Greeley, Colo.

2 p.m. MT

University of Northern Colorado

2-1-1, 2-0-1

Northern Arizona

6-1-1, 5-0-1

Team	1	2	3	4	Final F
Northern Ariz.	0	2	0	0	2
Northern Colo.	0	2	0	0	2

4/3/2021 6:13:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: By Thomas Hoffman, UNCBears.com

GREELEY, Colo. – It may not have been the exact homecoming Northern Colorado Soccer was looking for on Senior Day, but trailing two goals to nil with ten minutes on the clock, UNC found a pair of heroic moments to draw even and earn the tie, 2-2.

The Lumberjacks started the match on the front foot, pressing high up the field and forcing the issue early and often. NAU created several goal-scoring opportunities and were it not for the stellar effort of junior goalkeeper Ashley Franza, might've held the early lead.

Northern Arizona dialed up eight shots, five of them on goal in the first half alone but the San Ramon, California native was up to the task.

Save off a corner from @ashcfranza#BearsStrong #BigSkySoccer pic.twitter.com/S7ticLM9ZU
— UNC Women's Soccer (@UNC_BearsSoccer) April 3, 2021

Sophomore forward Britney Donais nearly gave the Bears the lead at the end of the half, pick-pocketing the NAU defender and breaking towards goal. Though she wasn't able to put it in the back of the net, the Bears showed how quickly they could switch into attacking mode.

The Lumberjacks broke the deadlock with a goal from Madison Montgomery in the 52^nd minute.

Lexi Pulley nearly equalized ten minutes later on terrific build-up play from UNC's midfield but it was Montgomery again who doubled NAU's advantage, tapping in another goal with just over 10 minutes to play.

Beautiful build-up that led to a shot by @lexipulley9#BearsStrong #BigSkySoccer pic.twitter.com/1fAAJJHQIj
— UNC Women's Soccer (@UNC_BearsSoccer) April 3, 2021

In stepped Kalen Niedling.

While many UNC faithful might've thought the Lumberjacks has spoiled Senior Day, Niedling, fresh off a steal on a throw-in, took one look up towards goal and rifled the ball in the top-right corner.

GOAL! @niedlingkalen with a beautiful shot in the upper corner. Bears still trail 1-2 with 7:14 left in the game#BearsStrong #BigSkySoccer pic.twitter.com/BniLSbmEAW
— UNC Women's Soccer (@UNC_BearsSoccer) April 3, 2021

The next eight minutes were all Northern Colorado. Continuing to ask questions of the NAU defense, the equalizer came just in the nick of time as Maddie Barkow flipped one into the box and landed on the left foot of Lexi Pulley.

While it will technically stands as an own goal, Pulley's effort saved the day for the Bears.

GOAL! @lexipulley9 with a bullet into the back of the net. The Bears tied it up with less than a minute in the game#BearsStrong #BigSkySoccer pic.twitter.com/Fr9iULxsEX
— UNC Women's Soccer (@UNC_BearsSoccer) April 3, 2021

In the overtime period, Northern Colorado continued to capitalize on its momentum. Pulley and Taylor Bray each had opportunities to snag the victory but UNC would settle for a point and the tie.

Post-Match Thoughts
Junior forward, Kalen Niedling

Game Notes

Northern Colorado honored its senior class – Kate Devine, Maddie Barkow, Gabby Costain, Maddie Soles, Kelsey Kiesz, Kaitlyn Meeder and Allison Kolsrud.
Kalen Niedling scored her first goal of the season in dramatic fashion.
Ashley Franza came up clutch with seven saves.
Ironwoman Lindsi Jennings played 105 of a possible 110 minutes.

What's Ahead
Northern Colorado and Northern Arizona will run it back on Monday, April 5. The game is set 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.