ALAMOSA, Colo. – The Regis University Women's Soccer team, who were receiving votes in the most recent United Soccer Coaches Top 25 Poll, cruised to a 3-1 win over Adams State University on Friday afternoon. The Rangers improve to 5-1-1 (1-0-0 RMAC), while the Grizzlies fall to 4-2-1 (0-1-0 RMAC).
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Rangers would receive an early yellow card on an ASU fast break, and after Helen Stagner saved the first shot of the game, the Grizzlies would score off a deflected pass. 10 minutes later, Natalie Bunch took the ball from midfield, beat one defender, and put in a goal while being tripped up by the goalkeeper. Just before the 30-minute mark, Bunch faked out the goalie, setting up a clean look for Elsa Nolen, which she would finish for the 2-1 lead. Andie Rylance took two late shots in the half, and RU took two corners in the final minute, but the score remained 2-1 going into the break.
The teams traded saves to start the second half, including shots on goal from Bunch and Eilidh Takekawa. Stegner earned another save in the 61st minute, and at 67:52, ASU fouled Regis in the box, setting up a Bunch penalty shot. She found the bottom left corner, pushing the lead to 3-1. Adams State pushed the pace over the next five minutes, taking five shots including two on goal, but the defense held. Three late shots missed harmlessly, and the Rangers claimed the win.
"It was a tricky match for us, which we knew would be the case from the beginning," said Head Coach Jeff Frykholm. "We came out pretty flat and went down early. Despite the fact that we hadn't yet found our footing in the match, Natalie had the first of several brilliant individual moments today, and her solo effort to level the match 1-1 was pretty remarkable. She has uncommon athleticism and technical ability; she's tough to handle when she's playing well."
"That goal gave us the spark we needed, and it sort of jumpstarted our engine for the rest of the half, where I thought we played pretty well. Natalie and Elsa combined on a really nice second goal, and then Natalie got on the score sheet again with a well-earned PK in the second half."
"All in all, that wasn't our best match, but at the end of the day it is always good to get those first three points in RMAC play."
GAME NOTES
· Bunch recorded five points with two goals, an assist, and three shots on goal
· Nolen took three shots, including her goal
· Five Grizzlies had a shot on goal
· RU took six corners to four by Adams State
· Stegner totaled five saves
UP NEXT
The Rangers will travel to New Mexico Highlands University for an RMAC battle on Sunday, September 28 at 1 pm.
