Nampa, Id – The Simon Fraser University Clan women’s soccer team concluded their road trip in Idaho this afternoon with a match against Northwest Nazarene University.  Looking to snap a three game losing skid, the Clan kept things close but could not come home with the win, falling to the NNU Crusaders, 1-0.  With the loss, SFU falls to 1-5 on the season (0-4 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play).  NNU improves to 4-4 on the season (2-2 in GNAC play).

“Soccer’s not always a fair game and it’s hard to lose a match like this.  Our team played a very good game and things just didn’t go our way today.  I feel we outplayed them and we out chanced them but we just couldn’t find the back of the net.  I’m really happy with the work our team is putting in.  We’re going to go home, keep working hard and keep improving,” said Head Coach Shelley Howieson. 

SFU came out strong in the first half and had plenty of chances.  The Clan had 10 corner kicks but could not convert.  Northwest Nazarene outshot SFU four to three in the first half. 

The only goal of the game came in the second half.  The Clan put all kinds of pressure on NNU for most of the second, outshooting Northwest Nazarene seven to two.  The Crusaders made the most of their limited opportunities though. 

In the 89th minute, the tie was finally broken by Julianne Steele.  After a corner kick from the Clan, NNU took possession of the ball and marched down the field.  Steele scored on a shot from 15 feet out into the right side of the net for her first goal of the season.  The game winning goal was assisted by Whitney Wood.

The SFU Clan women’s soccer team will be back in action at Terry Fox Field this Thursday night at 7:00 PM when they host the Saint Martin’s Saints.