The Northwest College women’s soccer team traveled to Montana for two preseason fixtures against University of Providence and Carroll College, using the short‑handed schedule as a deliberate mental test.
Coach Rob Hill noted that the squad had only two substitutes in the first match and none in the second, a constraint that forced the players to rely on endurance and focus.
Defensive Adjustments and Early Setbacks
While the Trappers controlled possession in the opening game, a lapse in defensive organization allowed Amelia Grace Franklin to score, highlighting the need for tighter backline coordination.
In the second encounter the team’s defensive structure faltered, conceding two goals despite a spirited effort that kept the scoreline respectable.
Goalkeeper Coy Erickson’s Breakout
Freshman goalkeeper Coy Erickson delivered several key saves, including an extraordinary stop that swung momentum and bolstered confidence across the squad.
Hill praised the young keeper’s composure under pressure, emphasizing that his performance was a cornerstone of the team’s emerging identity.
Looking ahead, the Trappers will open their regular season against Western Nebraska Community College at 1 p.m. on Friday, with a return fixture scheduled for early October, as the coaching staff focuses on correcting the defensive errors exposed in Montana.