Air Force Academy
0-1-1, 0-0-0
Northern Colorado
1-0-1, 0-0-0
Falcons, Bears draw in scoreless affair
8/22/2021 9:06:00 PM | Women's Soccer
DENVER, Colo.- The Falcons opening match of the 2021 season, a 5-0 loss to Denver on August 19, was not indicative of the caliber of players on the roster, according to Air Force head coach Larry Friend. Surrendering five goals is often the effect of miscommunication and absent discipline in the final third of the field, as was evidenced by the result.
On Sunday evening against Northern Colorado, the Falcons gritted their teeth to a 0-0 tie against the Bears. There is still some work to be done says Friend, but this result should pay dividends down the road.
"Tonight's game wasn't about the result," said Friend. "It was about the fight. Both teams challenged each other for 110 minutes. We showed a lot of grit."
Air Force's previous match saw the Falcons produce only nine shots, most of which came towards the end of regulation. On Sunday, the Falcons were much more opportunistic, managing 16 shots and eight on target.
"It was nice to create chances," said Friend.
Surely wanting to rid herself of the sour taste of Thursday night, sophomore Cammi Bych started her second-consecutive game in the Air Force net, and was stellar, saving all four of the Bears shots on goal. The Falcons defense as a whole, including junior Kayla Milford, was crucial to keeping Northern Colorado out the net.
"Cammi had a great night with tremendous distribution," said Friend. "Kayla's performance was incredible. She leads by example and inspires her team."
Though the Falcons were kept off the scoreboard, junior Faith Lee was a consistent attacking presence. Four of her six shots forced action from the UNC keeper.
"Faith left everything on the field," said Friend. "She was our most impactful forward."
Her four shots on goal tied a career-high.
The Falcons will have some time before their next matchup, a home fixture against Cal-Poly on September 2. Over that time, Friend hopes his still-learning roster can continue to make the necessary leap forward.
"We are still improving. This young team now has to find a way to win."
