LUBBOCK, Texas — The University of New Mexico women’s soccer team held strong against 19th-ranked Texas Tech for the first 58 minutes of the contest as the two teams were tied 0-0 despite both squads having multiple scoring opportunities.
However, a Lobo foul yards outside the penalty area and a Red Raider free kick changed the complexion of the contest.
A foul just outside the corner of the penalty area led to a free kick Texas Tech’s Jordie Harr turned into a goal as the Lobos dropped their season opener on the road 2-1 on Friday night at John B. Walker Soccer Complex.
UNM (0-1-0) had its chances early, including a shot by Isabella Jimenez in the opening five minutes of the contest that soared just above the crossbar.
The match remained scoreless heading to the second half when in the 58th minute Texas Tech’s Harr turned a free kick into a goal from three yards beyond the penalty area to make it 1-0. Harr found the back of the net six minutes later to push the Red Raiders’ (1-0-0) lead to 2-0.
Just when it looked like the game might be getting away from the Lobos, Maddie Irwin took a loose ball near the goal box and deposited it in for UNM to cut the Texas Tech advantage to 2-1. It was Irwin’s sixth career goal as she has now scored at least one goal in each of her four seasons as a Lobo (including a career-best three last season).
The Lobos built momentum after the goal, but could never find the equalizer against the Red Raiders.
The Lobos were outshot 17-7 (including 8-3 on shots on goal) and had just one corner kick opportunity compared to Texas Tech’s four.
UNM’s Tayler Hammack played all 90 minutes at goalkeeper and finished with six saves. Irwin and Claire Lynch led the Lobos with two shots apiece with both of Irwin’s on goal.
UNM will have a week until it hits the field again when the Lobos travel to take on No. 18 California on Friday in Berkeley. It’s the second year in a row UNM has started the season by playing two ranked opponents.
NOTES: The Lobos are now 7-11-5 in season openers in their history. … The Lobos last won a season opener in 2010 when they defeated Montana, 7-0. … UNM is 4-5-1 against Texas Tech all-time after Friday’s contest, including dropping four games in a row to the Red Raiders.