ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico scored just 64 seconds into the game, but UNLV scored the next three goals including the game-winner right before halftime as the Lobos dropped their first conference match of the year, losing 3-1 to the Rebels.
It was UNM’s first conference loss and it prevented the squad from moving above .500 for the first time this season, falling to 5-6-0. UNLV improved to 6-7-0 overall and 1-3-0 in the conference.
The Lobos looked like it might be an easy time of things as Madisyn Olguin stole a ball in the box and deposited it past Jessie Clark for a 1-0 lead just 64 seconds into the game. However, UNLV’s tying goal showcased what kind of day was ahead. Samantha Weber’s attempted cross was mishit, and it fooled everyone, including keeper Cassie Ulrich and 6:19 into the game it was 1-1.
The back-breaker was less than two minutes before half when Lily Sender took a pass from Denali Murnan and slotted one past Ulrich on a breakaway for a 2-1 lead.
The Rebels then iced it early in the second half when Brittany Gideon headed in a corner from the six to make it 3-1, where it stayed.
QUOTES
“That’s what I’ve been saying. Any team can beat any team in this league, because it’s a good league and everyone is really close. UNLV came out and played well.”
-Head Coach Heather Dyche
STARTERS
New Mexico: Ulrich (GK), Munoz, Chavez, Webster, Jimenez, Coonrod, Irwin, Lynch, Blanksma, O’Connor and Olguin.
UNLV: Clark (GK), Myers, Alba, Wilson, Murnan, Blazak, Bernal, Weber, Magnin, Cadioglos and Barber
SCORING SUMMARY
New Mexico: Madisyn Olguin (3) (unassisted), 1:06
UNLV: Samantha Weber (1) (Jodi Barber), 6:19
UNLV: Lily Sender (1) (Denali Murnan, Sophie Cortes), 43:03
UNLV: Brittney Gideon (2) (Jordan Magnin), 46:45
NOTES
*New Mexico was trying to start 4-0-0 in Mountain West play for just the second time in school history.
NEXT UP
New Mexico heads on the road to face Wyoming at 3 p.m. on Friday before taking on Colorado State in Ft. Collins on Sunday at 1 p.m.