Sordahl, Sheldon, Valcarcel Earn Kudos
Northeastern State vs Emporia 2-1 win
Player of the Game: Rachel Sordhal
After the Emporia win Rachel Sordhal was named player of the game for her over all performance. NSU had traded blows with the Hornets but no one seemed to be able to deliver a goal for either squad. Despite having a majority of the possession, and stifling all of Emporia's counter attacks in the first half, the Riverhawks prepared for the second half with the mindset that losing or tying was not an option. Renee Valcarcel made good on that mindset as seconds after the second half whistle blew she netted one for the NSU squad. Unfortunately the jubilation was short-lived as Emporia countered two minutes later to tie up the match. What proceeded was an inspiring effort from a Riverhawk flock who was against the ropes. This effort was lead in great part by Rachel Sordhal, one of NSU's starting forwards. Sordhal's efforts to win balls out of the air, turn with pressure on her back, and hustle down any ball in her zip code proved to be the difference in this match. In the 81st minute of play, Rachel punched through a melee of bodies to slam home the game winner. Without the work ethic of Sordhal, the Riverhawks would have had much more difficulty pulling out the win on this day.
Northeastern State vs Centenary College 9-0 Win
Player of the Game: Kelsey Sheldon
After the Centenary match Kelsey Sheldon has been named player of the game for her efforts in the victory. In an emotional game against Centenary College, Kelsey stepped up and provided Northeastern State with a pair of goals. What made Sheldon standout this match was not only the outstanding contribution to the score sheet, but also the off-the-record efforts to set up her teammates. Sheldon provides a much needed creativity at both the forward and midfield positions, and can serve balls to her teammates with limited touches both to feet and into space. Against Centenary, Kelsey contributed to a 2-0 lead before netting one herself in the 6th minute of play. She redirected a free kick with her head, and with poignant authority, to put the Riverhawks up 3-0. Later on in the 51st minute, Sheldon once again proved deadly as she slotted yet another goal passed a frustrated Centenary squad, it was the 6th of 9 in what ended up being a record-breaking night for the Riverhawks.
Northeastern State vs University of Texas at Permian Basin 1-0 Win
Player of the Game: Renee Valcarcel
After the win over UTPB, Renee Valcarcel has been named player of the game for her outstanding effort. If you are interested in seeing an outstanding personification of the word hustle, the best example can be found in a green jersey with the number 10 on the back. Renee is a central midfielder for Northeastern State, and more importantly the engine that has been running the Riverhawks to their current 3-2 record. On September 14th against UT Permian Basin, the Riverhawks leaned on #10 as the travel weary squad struggled to punch a number on the score sheet. Despite a 1-0 lead after 15 minutes of play and with the majority of significant chances on goal being in favor of Northeastern State, the team began getting frustrated at the lack of result. Valcarcel stepped up ad provided the Riverhawks an inspiring physical effort both offensively and defensively. The thank-less transition job that occurs in the middle of the field can be a daunting task for even the most fit athlete. But Renee proved to be a special breed as she was the difference maker on both sides of the ball in the Riverhawks effort to ice a much-needed win over UT Permian Basin. Whether it was winning balls out of the air, sniper-accurate passing, or stalwart defending, Valcarcel was your Riverhawk. With two goals already this season, the Riverside,CA native as a key player to watch in upcoming Northeastern State match ups.
