Arizona Wildcats Dominate NAU Lumberjacks in Thrilling Soccer Clash

Arizona soccer made a strong start in its inaugural Big 12 match, defeating Northern Arizona 5-0 on Thursday. This victory marks the team’s third win of the season, all of which have been shutouts. Five Wildcats found the net, while two freshmen made their mark with assists.

The scoring began in the 11th minute as Nicole Dallin delivered a precise corner kick that Megan Chelf headed into the goal. This was Chelf’s first goal of the season and third career goal, with Dallin earning her third career assist.

In the 34th minute, Trinity Dorsey scored her first career goal following a shot that just eluded NAU’s goalkeeper after receiving a pass from Jessica Bedolla. Just moments later, Sami Baytosh added to the tally in the 40th minute, converting a cross from Narissa Fults with a header. Both Bedolla and Fults recorded their first career assists on these goals.

Bedolla then scored her own goal in the 79th minute, striking the ball past the keeper after receiving a pass from Marley Chappel. Gianna Christiansen capped off the scoring in the 81st minute, converting a cross-field pass from Rose Calkins for her second career assist.

Next up, the Wildcats will face North Carolina in Chapel Hill, a formidable opponent renowned for producing elite talent, including numerous U.S. women’s national team players. North Carolina has maintained an unbeaten streak in preseason, winning all five matches, including one against a professional side.

However, Arizona’s head coach Becca Moros remains undaunted. Notably, in 2005, while playing for Duke, she scored two goals against North Carolina, halting their undefeated streak. The upcoming match promises to be a challenging but exciting opportunity for the Wildcats.