Sept. 19, 2008
Final Stats
The University of New Mexico men’s soccer team recorded a 1-1 tie against Portland in the opening match of the Husky Classic in Seattle, Wash., tonight. Senior Jack Smithson scored his second goal of the season in the 33rd minute, but New Mexico could not hold the lead. Portland evened the game with six minutes left in regulation and held on for the draw. New Mexico moves to 3-2-2 on the season while Portland is 2-2-2.
The Lobos opened up the scoring in the 33rd minute when junior Stephen Brown sent in a perfect pass to the far post. Smithson one-timed the 10-yarder from the right side of the box for his second goal of the year. It was also the second assist of the season for Brown.
New Mexico owned the first frame, outshooting Portland 9-1. They also held a 4-0 lead in corners over the Pilots. UP keeper Austin Guerro made all five of his saves on the night in the first half.
Coming into the season, New Mexico was 76-3-7 when scoring first in the six-plus years under head coach Jeremy Fishbein. With tonight’s slip, the Lobos have already surrendered three leads on the year and are 1-1-2 when scoring first.
“Once again we completely dominated for 75 of the 90 minutes,” stated Fishbein. “However, a couple of lapses and one mistake, and they get the score with just over six minutes left in the match.”
New Mexico’s last three goals allowed have come off of set pieces, including the one given up tonight. The Pilots were fouled just outside of the box on the right side. Collen Warner took the free kick and found Ryan Kawulok who headed in his second goal of the season.
Neither team mounted much offense in the two overtime periods and the game ended in a 1-1 tie. Lobo junior Justin Davis and the Pilots Leland Wright were both red-carded in the 108th minute. Neither player will be able to suit up in Sunday’s matches. New Mexico takes on Washington in the final match of the Husky Classic on Sunday, Sept. 21, at 2:30 p.m. GameTracker and a live broadcast link will be available on GoLobos.com.