Johnson penalty kick tips the scale, Women’s Soccer downs Northern Arizona 1-0

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – On Sunday, Air Force Women's Soccer secured its best start since the 2019 season and best start of the Laura Busby coaching era, as the Falcons defeated Northern Arizona, 1-0, to improve to 4-1-1 for the 2024 season.

The deciding goal belonged to senior captain Hannah Johnson, who landed the game winner in the 25^th minute off a penalty kick, awarded for illegal contact inside the Air Force box. After an initial PK from a handball whistle earlier in the first half was warded off by NAU goalkeeper Trinity Corcoran, Johnson capitalized on her second chance to buy a Falcon lead that stood through the remainder of the contest. The goal marks Johnson's first of the season.

The Falcons (4-1-1, 0-0 MW) put up 14 shots on the afternoon, totaling seven on-goal. Sophomore forward Kendall Rippley led Falcon production in front of the NAU net, logging five shots and three on-goal, including a one-on-one with Corcoran inside the Lumberjack 18 in the closing seconds of the first half that was just wide.

The first half was a fast-paced affair dominated by the Falcons. Air Force held a slight edge in shot attempts over NAU after 45 – But it was the Falcons' seven shots on-goal to the Lumberjacks' two that was the difference on paper. Air Force got seven attempts on-frame at the NAU net compared to just two for the Lumberjacks, keeping the NAU back line under constant pressure.

After a one-hour lightning delay stalled the start of the second, NAU came back with a renewed sense of urgency, pushing for an equalizer which was never found.

The Lumberjacks doubled up Air Force in shot attempts in the second half and forced junior goalkeeper Kylie McElroy into three saves late in the contest, including an attempt from NAU's Micala Boex from outside the 18 that was just tipped over the crossbar.

Impressions From Head Coach Laura Busby:
"I don't think there are many coaches in the country who would have a player who missed one PK in a game step up for the second. But I have so much trust in this team and our captain to execute the mission. After Thursday's match, we knew we needed to rebound and secure three points today. Hannah has been the stalwart of our back line and an incredible leader for this program. For her to get her first collegiate goal by demonstrating a warrior mentality is completely fitting. I'm proud of her and extremely grateful to be the coach of this talented group of young women."

Up Next:
Air Force Women's Soccer concludes its 2024 non-conference, hosting Army West Point at Cadet Soccer Stadium on Friday, Sept. 13.

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