Hix, Lynch goals help Lobos beat Colorado College
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The University of New Mexico women’s soccer team broke its first losing streak of the season and garnered a key three points as the Lobos defeated Colorado College 2-1 Sunday afternoon at Stewart Field.
The victory moves the Lobos (10-6 overall, 5-3 Mountain west) into a tie for second place in the Mountain West with 15 points with Air Force (4-1-3) – both teams four points behind San Jose State (6-1-1), who rallied from a 2-0 deficit Sunday to defeat UNLV, 3-2.
“Today was a huge win for our team,” UNM coach Heather Dyche said. “Colorado College made a late push and deserve a ton of credit. This is a tough road weekend and to come away with a split is outstanding. I’m proud of our response today.”
The Lobos’ first goal was set up in the 21st minute against Colorado College (5-7-4, 2-4-2) when they were awarded a free kick near the sideline from 35 yards out. Claire Lynch took the kick and lofted it high into the box where Jessie Hix leaped high, headed the ball over the keeper and into the top-left corner to make it 1-0 UNM.
For Hix, it was her fifth goal of the season – second on the team and all coming via headers. It was Lynch’s second assist of 2017.
The Lobos pushed it to 2-0 in the 51st minute when Lynch found space and chipped the ball over the keeper for her team-best seventh goal of the season. It was also the senior’s 24th of her career, tying her for third place on the all-time list with Nicole Highfil (1993-95).
The Tigers made it interesting in the 78th minute when Lauren Milliet scored to cut the Lobo lead in half at 2-1. But the Lobos held off Colorado College over the final 12 minutes to hold onto the key conference victory.
Each team took 16 shots with the Tigers taking nine shots on goal compared to four for the Lobos. Lynch led UNM with four shots with two on goal while Jennifer Munoz, Quincy Slora and Cami Floth each took two shots apiece.
Emily Johnson had a big day in goal for the Lobos, picking up a season and career-best seven saves.
The Lobos return to action 1 p.m. Friday as they host Colorado State at UNM Soccer Complex in UNM’s Lobos Love Pink Game.