FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The University of New Mexico women’s soccer team had its chances in regulation and a key play from Lobo goalkeeper Tayler Hammack in the second overtime preserved a 0-0 tie with Northern Arizona University to cap the NAU Mountain Classic at Max Spilsbury Field at Lumberjack Stadium.
The crucial play for the Lobos (3-2-2) came in the 105th minute when the Lumberjacks (2-4-1) had a breakaway and their best chance for a goal in the game. As the Lumberjack player approached, Hammack raced out – and just as the NAU player crossed into the penalty area for a one-on-one situation – the junior dove on the ball to end the threat and keep the contest tied.
“Tayler was very good today and kept us in the game a few times,” UNM coach Heather Dyche said. “Her save in overtime was huge. She’s improving each week.”
The tie improves the Lobos’ unbeaten streak to five games (3-0-2) since dropping their first two games to ranked foes Texas Tech and California.
It also caps UNM’s seven-game road stretch to start the season – its longest road trip of any kind for the Lobos since 2002.
UNM had its chances in regulation and outshot the Lumberjacks 18-11 in the contest.
The Lobos got their first great look at a goal in the 64th minute when a bouncing ball in the penalty area was one-timed out of the air by Claire Lynch on target. However, NAU keeper Meghan Dickmann made a diving save as she rushed for the ball to keep the game scoreless.
UNM just missed scoring again in the 73rd minute when a free kick by Maddie Irwin from 40 yards out squarely hit the crossbar and Lynch’s follow went wide to the left as the game remained scoreless.
The Lobos had one last shot in regulation in the 89th minute to keep it from heading to overtime when a corner kick got loose in the penalty area, but Emily Chavez’s shot soared high.
“I felt we were good enough to win this game and we were disappointed not to put one away,” Dyche said.
Jennifer Munoz and Lynch led the Lobos with three shots apiece while Irwin, Quincy Slora and Jessie Hix had two apiece.
Hammack had five saves for the Lobos and finished with her second shutout of the season.
The Lobos will play their home opener 7 p.m. Friday against in-state foe New Mexico State at the UNM Soccer Complex.
NOTES: This is the first time since 2011 the Lobos have tied twice in non-conference play in a season. … This is the second scoreless tie UNM has played in this season as the Lobos tied Weber State on Sept. 2. … Sunday marked the fifth time in seven games the Lobos didn’t score in the first half.