The official home of the Griz Soccer Supporters Club is now GRIZSOCCER.NET. The website features the official blog of the Griz Soccer Team, as well as many other features designed to bring Griz fans closer to the team. Click on the image to transfer to our new home!
Bookmark grizsoccer.net today, and stay updated with all the action! Thank you for your continued support… GO GRIZ!
Happy Thanksgiving Griz Soccer Fans!
We apologize for not posting since the end of the season. There has been a lot going on since the game against Eastern Washington, and the coaching staff have been busy preparing for 2010. Here is a summary of some of the things you can expect to see over the next few months.
New Blog: After the overwhelming success of the Griz Soccer Blog this season, we are considering a move to a new location, in order to offer you more news and more features to keep you interacting with the team. We have been putting a lot of time into this project, which is one of the main reasons that this blog has not been updated recently.
End of Year Banquet: We will be hosting our annual banquet in January, and all Kicker’s Club members are invited to attend. During the banquet, individual achievements will be recognized, and the season-review DVD will be screened. Kickers Club members will also receive their own copy of the DVD. To join the Kickers Club for the 2010 season, contact Assistant Coach Peter Underwood.
The Team: Our players have been continuing their conditioning in the off-season, and have also been focusing in the classroom as the year comes to an end. After taking some time to recover, the players are now looking forward to a productive Spring in preparation for the 2010 season.
We appreciate your continued support, and will keep you posted with important Griz soccer news over the next few months.
Montana’s season came to an end on Friday afternoon as they lost 1-0 to Eastern Washington University. The game reflected what had been a frustrating season for the Griz as they created the best chances in the game, but failed to put the ball in the net, while conceding a soft goal at the other end.
Eastern Washington’s goal came in the 9th minute as Lauren Costa attempted to clear the ball from the edge of the box, but instead sent it over Grace Harris and into the back of the net. The game was the last in Griz colors for the five seniors on the roster, and there was an emotional farewell at the end of the game. Grace Harris set a new Montana record for career saves during the game, and Grace McKoy came the closest to scoring for the Griz at the other end with a towering header that went agonizingly wide of the post.
The players will now take a break and recover, while the coaching staff start to put the pieces together for the 2010 season. Despite the results, there have been a lot of positives for Montana this fall, and the future is certainly bright for the Griz. Stay tuned to the blog over the coming weeks for more features from the 2009 season, as well as a glimpse of what is coming next year! GO GRIZ!
Highlights from this weekend’s games against Northern Arizona University and the University of Northern Colorado:
The Griz traveled to Arizona and Colorado this weekend to play two Big Sky Conference matches against Northern Arizona University and Northern Colorado University. On Friday afternoon, we faced NAU in Flagstaff, AZ and took an early lead through Franky Brady, who poked home a Lauren Costa free-kick from close range. The goal was Brady’s third in Big Sky play this season. The Lumberjacks fought back, playing a very direct style of soccer, but had to wait until the 87th minute to find an equalizing goal. When it came, it gave them the momentum going into overtime, where they were able to net the winner in the 96th minute.
Both goals were hard to take, given their timing, but we had to pick ourselves up for Sunday’s encounter with Northern Colorado University. The loss to NAU left us needing two wins from our final two games, as well as other results to go our way. We took an early lead against UNC through an Abby Grafft free-kick, which was deflected into the net by a Northern Colorado defender. Several chances were created by both sides in the second half, but there was no further score. The win lifts Montana to 2-3-1 in Big Sky play with just one game remaining. Eastern Washington University are the visitors to South Campus Stadium on Friday afternoon, with kick-off scheduled for 4:00pm. We hope to see you out there! GO GRIZ!
Highlights from this weekend’s matches against Sacramento State and Portland State:
This weekend, Sacramento State and Portland State visited South Campus Stadium for two gritty Big Sky Conference matches. On Friday afternoon, high-flying Sacramento State raced into an early two-goal lead, but could not hold on to the lead as the Grizzlies scored two goals before the half to level the game. Erin Craig scored her first ever collegiate goal, crashing in to head home from a corner kick. Frankie Brady scored her second goal in a week, popping up in the box to fire in the equalizing goal. However, a goalless second half, and two overtime periods could not separate the two teams as the score remained 2-2. The tie left Montana on level points with Portland State, who had scored a late goal on Friday to tie league-leaders Eastern Washington.
Despite a bright start to the game, Montana let the tempo drop after fifteen minutes and allowed Portland State to seize control of the game. The visitors took the lead after the Grizzlies were slow to react in the midfield, allowing PSU to play a direct ball over the back four. Grace Harris came, but was caught in no-mans-land and the Vikings striker simply lifted the ball over her head and into the net. Towards the end of the half, Montana regained their composure and put their opponents on the back foot.
This pressure continued through to the second half as the Griz dominated the game in every area of the park. However, poor finishing proved to be their downfall as they sunk to a 1-0 defeat. Other results in conference mean that Montana can still make the conference tournament in November, but they will have to pick up points from their remaining three games. The Griz now travel to Flagstaff, AZ to take on Northern Arizona University on Friday.
Now you can stay warm while still showing your colors with this limited-edition Montana Soccer Scarf. With winter fast approaching, this scarf is perfect for staying warm while supporting the Griz, and it also makes a great Christmas gift! Scarves are priced at just $15, and will be available for purchase at this weekend’s games against Sacramento State and Portland State.
Kickers Club members will be receiving their Griz Scarf in the mail shortly. To find out more about becoming a member of the official Griz soccer booster organization, contact Assistant Coach Peter Underwood: peter.underwood@mso.umt.edu. Thank you for your support. Go Griz!
