Falcons Unable to Overcome Early Deficit in Defeat to Northern Colorado

BOULDER, Colo. – Despite a goal from freshman Micah Larkin, and a career-high 13 saves from senior goalie Jennifer Hiddink, the Air Force Academy women's soccer team was unable to overcome a 3-0 deficit in a 3-1 defeat to the University of Northern Colorado Sunday afternoon, August 19, at Prentup Field.

The Falcons (0-2) withstood a potent Bears (1-1) attack, as 16 of UNC's 28 shots found their way on net. Hiddink, who ranks fourth all time at the Academy with 264 stops, saved 13 of them today for a new game-best, but the three that slipped passed ended up being the difference.

Offensively, the Falcons tallied eight shots, with five coming on net, led by the unassisted goal from the rookie Larkin in just her second career AF match

"That turned the game around for us, we ended up getting four more opportunities after that but were just unlucky," Head Coach Larry Friend explained. "We had a shot hit the post, and another that almost slipped in that would have tied the game up."

Senior Hailey Laub had a team-high three shots, with two coming on frame, while senior Kaitlyn Cook and freshman Mackenzie Kimmel both registered shots on goal as well. The Blue and Silver also had four corner kicks on the day, after not having one in the season opener against Colorado.

The first 15 minutes of the match went by without any goals, despite shots on net from both sides. UNC broke the ice in the 16^th minute, and followed that up with another goal four minutes later to make it 2-0 early on. The rest of the half was dominated by the Bears, as AF was unable to get any offensive momentum before the half.

Coming out of the break, the Falcons continued to be stymied, not getting a shot off while UNC netted the games third goal in the 58^th minute to make it 3-0. 10 minutes later, Larkin, who did not start the game but started the second half, was able to breakaway for an unassisted goal, the first of her young career.

From there, AF had four shots and three corner kicks as they tried to find the equalizing goals, but UNC stood strong and held on for the 3-1 decision.

"All in all we were good for large portions of the game, but we need to be good for a full 90 minutes," Friend added. "We're getting some great minutes for our freshmen while some of our upperclassmen continue to work their way back from injury, and these first two games have served as great opportunities for future growth."

Air Force will return to the pitch next Friday, August 24, when it plays host to Creighton University in non-conference action. Kickoff against the Blue Jays at Cadet Soccer Stadium is set for 6 p.m.

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