Oct. 21, 2006
The 12th ranked University of New Mexico men’s soccer team needed overtime to down UNLV 1-0 at the UNM Soccer Complex tonight. Lobo freshman Justin Davis collected a loose ball in the box and drove home the game winning score in the 97th minute for his first collegiate goal.
The Lobos (10-3-2, 5-1-0 MPSF) dominated possession in the match, outshooting the Rebels 18-5. It was the fifth consecutive game the Lobos allowed less than eight shots and their eighth shutout of the season. Junior keeper Mike Graczyk was forced to make two saves, lowering his Mountain Pacific Sports Federation leading goals-against-average to 0.57 on the year.
New Mexico came out sluggish in the first half, only generating three shots in the opening period. UNM got the ball in the box numerous times but were not able to capitalize on their chances. They did manage to create a trio of corners in the match but none of those led to a shot.
Coming out of the locker room after halftime, New Mexico seemed more focused as they picked up the offensive pressure. Junior Blake Danaher hit the crossbar off a free kick less than four minutes into the second period. Sophomore Jack Smithson just missed a shot to the near post from the left side less than two minutes later. Freshman Stephen Brown hit the post from the left wing in the 59th minute.
The game continued with UNM attacking and the Rebel defense fighting off every attempt by the Lobos. UNLV got one good look in the second half when Ryan Burneo’s header went just over the crossbar in the 80th minute.
New Mexico ended regulation without one its starters who was out with an injury. Freshman Zach Tierney was taken off the field in the 73rd minute and did not return after a collision with a Rebel player. Tierney was leading all of the Lobo field players in assists and minutes played on the season.
Davis also turned and ankle in the 82nd minute and had to be helped off the field. However, he was able to comeback for overtime and the game-winning goal. The game-winner began when the Lobos earned a throw-in from the left side just on the Rebel end of midfield. Sophomore Brandon Barklage tossed the ball into the box that was headed out by a UNLV defender. Davis was able to collect the ball and fire a rocket from 18 yards out that beat Rebel keeper Calvin Bailey for the 1-0 win.
UNM hits the road next weekend for the California swing of MPSF action. The Lobos take on Sacramento State on Friday, Oct. 27 at 5:00 p.m. (M.D.T.) and San Jose State on Sunday, Oct. 29 at 2:00 p.m. (M.S.T.).