Lobos get what they need from 3-1 exhibition win
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Under the bright lights of UNM Soccer Complex for the first time this season, the University of New Mexico women’s soccer team shined as they defeated Colorado State University-Pueblo 3-1 in an exhibition match Tuesday.
Before the lights could even take full effect and the sun painted the Sandia Mountains in the background red, the Lobos scored two goals in the first 30 minutes to take a quick lead they never relinquished.
“We got exactly what you want out of an exhibition,” UNM coach Heather Dyche said. “We got 30-40 minutes for our kids that we are anticipating are starting right now. I thought they were outstanding and controlled the ball really well. I’m really excited about some of our incoming players and really excited about our returners because they have stepped up a lot. Our senior leadership on this team is amazing.”
One of those seniors put the Lobos on the board first as Claire Lynch – who enters the season tied for fourth on the UNM all-time goals list with 17 – took a loose ball near the top of the penalty box, put a few moves on the CSU-Pueblo defenders and booted a beautiful ball from 20 yards out into the top right corner of the goal to make it 1-0 in the 21st minute.
The Albuquerque native said it just felt good to get back on the field after the offseason.
“It’s been a long-time coming, but it also felt very short between last year and this year,” Lynch said. “We have a lot of new faces that got good time tonight and played really well. That makes me excited for the rest of the season.”
The Lobos increased their lead to 2-0 when Casey Murphy placed a corner kick in a great position for Jessie Hix to head it in over the reach of the Thunderwolves’ keeper in the 30th minute.
One of the 16 UNM newcomers made it 3-0 in the 56th minutes as Leilani Baker – a freshman from Rio Rancho, N.M. – used her speed to track down a breakaway ball, beat the keeper and poke it into the net for a 3-0 advantage.
Dyche said Tuesday night provided a great opportunity for everyone to acclimate to their surroundings.
“I think there were nerves from both our newcomers and our returners,” Dyche said. “It’s such a magical place to play (at UNM Soccer Complex). When you come out here and the lights turn on and you are around these fans, it’s really cool. You can’t help but be emotional, and I think when you experience that the first time you are out here it can be overwhelming. But they will get used to it.”
Sophomore Emily Johnson went the first 60 minutes at keeper and didn’t allow a goal while freshman Malia Vanisi went the final 30 minutes.
UNM hosts the Lobo Invitational this weekend with the Lobos opening play 7:30 p.m. Friday against San Francisco (Texas Tech takes on Grand Canyon at 4 p.m.). UNM then takes on Grand Canyon at 10:30 a.m. Sunday while Texas Tech plays San Francisco at 1 p.m.
With the season starting Friday, now is also a great time to purchase the New Mexico Mutual Lobo Pride Pass. For $50, see every regular season home game for women’s and men’s soccer, volleyball, track and field, softball and baseball (more than 80 events). To purchase, go to the Lobo Ticket Office (located at the northeast corner of Dreamstyle Arena) from Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., call 505-925-LOBO (1620) or visit unmtickets.com to purchase online.