Second-half surge propels Bears over Lumberjacks

Monday, April 5

Greeley, Colo.

Noon MT

University of Northern Colorado

3-1-1, 3-0-1

Northern Arizona

6-2-1, 5-1-1

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

4/5/2021 2:55:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: By Thomas Hoffman, UNCBears.com

GREELEY, Colo. – There wasn't going to be any case of the Mondays for Northern Colorado Soccer.

After playing to a tie, 2-2, on Saturday, a second-half surge left no doubt of a 3-1 UNC victory.

Right from the opening kick-off, the Bears seemed determined to start on the right foot.

It took just over six minutes but UNC's consistent pressure created multiple scoring chances and ultimately forced a handball from NAU in the box, giving a clear penalty kick to the Bears.

Olivia Seddon, cool as you'd like, confidently finished off the PK in the bottom left corner, handing UNC the early 1-0 lead.

PK is good for @liv_seddon16 after a Lumberjack hand ball#BearsStrong #BigSkySoccer pic.twitter.com/s5JF53cAx1
— UNC Women's Soccer (@UNC_BearsSoccer) April 5, 2021

For the next 10 minutes, Northern Colorado solidified a good amount of pressure in the Lumberjack half. A number of times, Maddie Barkow's patented flip throws gave her forwards a look at goal but the Longmont native's moment to shine would come later.

Northern Arizona Equalized in the 16^th minute, capitalizing on a decent cross from the right-wing but it would be the last shot on target for the visiting side on Monday afternoon.

In tandem with the midfield, Erika Hall and Lindsi Jennings did well to keep the Lumberjacks from mounting any serious threat.

Finally, in the 68^th minute, Barkow executed the flip throw to perfection as Mackenzie Bray met the ball at the near post and slotted it home to give her team the lead once more.

A flip throw by @maddiebarkow and a header goal by @bray_kenzie #BearsStrong #BigSkySoccer pic.twitter.com/VLXy68lqA9
— UNC Women's Soccer (@UNC_BearsSoccer) April 5, 2021

Northern Colorado wasn't done there.

Sensing NAU trying to commit more numbers forward and take more chances to try to find a second equalizer, the Bears' forwards were on high alert to take advantage of any miscue.

Jennings played a ball back to keeper Ashley Franza in the 74^th minute and with one swift swing of the leg, Ashley rocketed a ball towards the Lumberjack half, meeting Kaitlyn Meeder who tip-toed the line to stay perfectly onside. Meeder managed to keep her cool, beat the keeper and get the ball over the line, all but sealing a Bear victory.

Clearance by @ashcfranza to @keertlyn for the goal. Bears lead 3-1#BearsStrong #BigSkySoccer pic.twitter.com/Plftg3We9h
— UNC Women's Soccer (@UNC_BearsSoccer) April 5, 2021

The next fifteen minutes were a clinic in how to run out the clock. Keeping NAU away from goal, Northern Colorado planted itself firmly atop the Southeast Division in the Big Sky Conference.

What they Said
Kaitlyn Meeder and Mackenzie Bray

Game Notes

Olivia Seddon scored her second goal of the season and the eighth of her career.
Seddon's PK was the second of her career. She is now 2-2 from the spot.
Kaitlyn Meeder scored her second goal of the season and the third of her career.
Mackenzie Bray's goal was the of the season and first since scoring two goals in 2019.
Ashley Franza's assist was her first in the Blue and Gold.

What's Ahead
Northern Colorado heads out on the road for its last two games of the regular season against Weber State. Games are slated for April 9 and 11.

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