Sunday, August 27
USAFA, CO
1:00 pm MT
Air Force Academy
2-1-0, 0-0-0
2
vs
1
University of Northern Colorado
0-4-0, 0-0-0
1
2
F
Northern Colo.
1
0
1
Air Force
1
1
2
Photo by: Trevor Cokley
Falcons claw back to defeat Bears 2-1
8/27/2023 4:06:00 PM | Women's Soccer
COLORADO SPRINGS- Trailing by a goal midway through the first half, the Falcons reeled off the final two goals of the match, as Air Force bested in-state rival Northern Colorado 2-1 at Cadet Soccer Stadium.
"I was really proud of our second half performance today," said head coach Laura Busby. "We didn't start the game well, but I thought the collective belief and willingness to apply information made a huge difference in the game."
The Bears opened the scoring on Sunday, finding the back of the net in the 21st minute to stake claim to a 1-0 lead. However, it was all Air Force the rest of the way.
Just before halftime, Jordi Ives managed to take advantage of some good fortune in the 18-yard box. In the 41st minute, the senior settled the ball under her feet following a few chaotic bounces, firing in her first score of the season with her left foot after doing well to create a bit of space. As a result of the Ives equalizer, the score stayed level at 1-1 heading into the halftime break.
"Jordi showed incredible resiliency and leadership with a great goal just before halftime," Busby said. Ives finished the afternoon with three total attempts at goal, all of which were on target.
With both sides combining for 25 shots over the final 45 minutes, a familiar duo combined to produce what became the game-winning score.
For the second time this season, Julia Tierney fed a streaking Mia Otero, who converted from just in front of goal to give the Falcons a 2-1 lead. The 69th minute score was Otero's second of 2023, with Tierney notching her second-career assist in just her third collegiate match. Otero's day included two shots on goal in three attempts.
Sydney Davis played a massive role from her goalkeeper position, making a pair of outstanding saves to keep the Bears off the board throughout the second half.
"I thought Sydney managed the game well in the second half," Busby added. "She kept us in the game with some big saves." Davis stopped all three of the Bears attempts on goal in the second half.
Air Force out-shot Northern Colorado 20-16, including 12-5 in shots on goal. Freshmen Kendall Rippley and Chase Borntreger led the Falcons with four attempts each.
The win marks Air Force's first victory over Northern Colorado since August 27, 2004. Next, the Falcons will remain at home, hosting Hawaii on Thursday, August 31. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 pm MT.
"I was really proud of our second half performance today," said head coach Laura Busby. "We didn't start the game well, but I thought the collective belief and willingness to apply information made a huge difference in the game."
The Bears opened the scoring on Sunday, finding the back of the net in the 21st minute to stake claim to a 1-0 lead. However, it was all Air Force the rest of the way.
Just before halftime, Jordi Ives managed to take advantage of some good fortune in the 18-yard box. In the 41st minute, the senior settled the ball under her feet following a few chaotic bounces, firing in her first score of the season with her left foot after doing well to create a bit of space. As a result of the Ives equalizer, the score stayed level at 1-1 heading into the halftime break.
"Jordi showed incredible resiliency and leadership with a great goal just before halftime," Busby said. Ives finished the afternoon with three total attempts at goal, all of which were on target.
With both sides combining for 25 shots over the final 45 minutes, a familiar duo combined to produce what became the game-winning score.
For the second time this season, Julia Tierney fed a streaking Mia Otero, who converted from just in front of goal to give the Falcons a 2-1 lead. The 69th minute score was Otero's second of 2023, with Tierney notching her second-career assist in just her third collegiate match. Otero's day included two shots on goal in three attempts.
Sydney Davis played a massive role from her goalkeeper position, making a pair of outstanding saves to keep the Bears off the board throughout the second half.
"I thought Sydney managed the game well in the second half," Busby added. "She kept us in the game with some big saves." Davis stopped all three of the Bears attempts on goal in the second half.
Air Force out-shot Northern Colorado 20-16, including 12-5 in shots on goal. Freshmen Kendall Rippley and Chase Borntreger led the Falcons with four attempts each.
The win marks Air Force's first victory over Northern Colorado since August 27, 2004. Next, the Falcons will remain at home, hosting Hawaii on Thursday, August 31. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 pm MT.
Team Stats
UNC
AFA
Goals
1
2
Shots
16
20
Shots on Goal
5
12
Saves
10
4
Corners
6
5
Fouls
12
10
Scoring Plays
Lexi Tuite (1)
GOAL by UNC Tuite, Lexi.
20:20
Jordi Ives (1)
GOAL by AFA Ives, Jordi.
40:45
Mia Otero (2)
Assisted By: Julia Tierney
GOAL by AFA Otero, Mia Assist by Tierney, Julia.
68:16
Game Leaders
Players
fwd
Shots
3
SOG
3
Goals
1
Assists
0
Shots
0
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
1
Shots
4
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
0
Players Mentioned
M
/ Women's Soccer
GK
/ Women's SoccerF/M
/ Women's Soccer
F
/ Women's SoccerF/M
/ Women's SoccerFalcons top Northern Coloado with 3 goals
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