Strong defensive effort leads UNM past GCU, 1-0

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico women’s soccer team allowed Grand Canyon University only five shots while creating numerous chances for itself – including Claire Lynch’s 18th career goal – to help the Lobos to a 1-0 victory Sunday morning during the final day of the Lobo Invitational.

The Lobos (1-1-0) allowed only three shots (two on goal) to San Francisco over the first 70 minutes of the contest as the Lobos were able to control possession for much of the contest. UNM went on to outshoot the Lopes (0-2-0) 20-5 as it had numerous opportunities to add on to its lead.

“It was a great overall effort by our team today,” UNM coach Heather Dyche said. “Not only keeping them to five shots, but for us to shoot 20 times says we are creating a lot of chances. There weren’t many times we took 20 shots in a game last season. We have some weapons this season – we just got to convert more of those.”

The Lobos scored the lone goal of the contest in the 25th minute when a ball was played on the right side to freshman Leilani Baker who crossed it to a sprinting Lynch at the top of the penalty box. The senior took the ball past a defender, maneuvered it by the approaching goalkeeper and tapped it in to give the Lobos a 1-0 lead.

It was Lynch’s first goal of the season and 18th of her career, putting her in fourth place by herself on UNM’s all-time goals list. For Baker, it was her first career assist.

“What’s cool about that is not only is it two locals combining for the goal – but it was two players who physically many wouldn’t give a chance to, and it was a senior from a freshman,” Dyche said. “Claire is near the top in our record books and is a kind of mentor to Leilani – who can get there one day. It’s a cool thing to watch.”

From there the Lobos allowed the Lopes few chances with UNM sophomore keeper Emily Johnson picking up her first career shutout while collecting two saves.

Jennifer Munoz and Jessie Hix paced the Lobos with four shots apiece while Lynch finished with three.

With UNM getting two home games under its belt in the last three days – Dyche said her and the coaching staff learned a lot moving forward in 2017.

“You look out there while we’re playing and you think, ‘We haven’t worked on this or that yet.'” Dyche said. “Of course we wanted to be 2-0 after the weekend, but we know now the areas we need to work on moving forward – and that’s what is important.”

Up next for the Lobos is the Rio Grande Rivalry 5 p.m. Thursday as they travel to take on New Mexico State in Las Cruces.