Five goals in five days by Alaskans [Soccer]
If the University of Alaska Anchorage ever added another sport, women’s soccer would certainly be the choice.
Outside of winter sports, there are probably more standouts from Alaska in NCAA Division I women’s soccer than any other sport.
That point was hammered home recently when five Alaskans scored goals in a five-day span – undoubtedly a first for the 907, a state nationally known for hockey and skiing.
But that perception is changing.
“Hopefully it will change because I think we are showing that we can play in Alaska,” Aaliyah Lewis told me.
Lewis, of Alabama State, is one of the NCAA’s top scorers with 15 goals in 16 games. She was also one of the five Alaska women to find the back of the net recently:
Oct 9: University of Chicago Loyola senior midfielder Tricia Stonebraker of Anchorage scored in a 2-1 loss to IPFW.
Oct. 11: University of Arkansas junior forward Yvonne Desjarlais of Anchorage scored in a 4-3 loss to Texas A&M.
Oct. 12: University of Wisconsin senior midfielder Alev Kelter of Eagle River scored in a 3-2 loss to Illinois.
Oct. 13: Duke University junior forward Kelly Cobb of Chugiak scored in a 2-1 victory over Maryland.
Oct. 13: Alabama State freshman forward Aaliyah Lewis of Anchorage scored in a 2-1 win over Jackson State.
We may never see a similar scoring spree. It was historic.
“I’m honored to be part of that mix,” Lewis said. “They are such amazing players. I love them. I played with them. I played gained them. It’s a good feeling that Alaska is being thought of more than just winter sports and actually taking women’s soccer more serious.
“I think college coaches should definitely keep their eyes out and just be watching out for more Alaskans. I’ve worked with younger girls and there are quite a few that can compete at this level.”