ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico women’s soccer team wrapped up an unbeaten weekend against two of the top three teams in the conference with a 0-0 draw against Boise State on a sunny Sunday afternoon at UNM Soccer Complex.
The Lobos (7-6-3, 3-4-1) didn’t allow a goal against first-place Utah State or third-place Boise State (5-9-3, 4-2-2) – a stretch of 200 minutes as New Mexico is now 2-1-1 over its last four matches.
“Going into the weekend these teams were first and third in the conference and to come out with a win and a tie is pretty big for us,” UNM coach Heather Dyche said. “We kind of said we are at the halfway point in conference (heading into Friday) and we came out with a win and a tie – so we are heading in the right direction.”
In Sunday’s contest, the Lobos looked like it may sneak in the game-winning goal in the final 30 seconds when a corner kick by freshman Jill Olguin bounced around in front of the goal box before a diving strike by fellow freshman Jessie Hix appeared destined for the back of the net. However, Boise State goalkeeper Janelle Flores made a diving save to guide the ball wide and keep the game scoreless.
Ruth Bruciaga takes a shot in the first half (when the Lobos were wearing their red) during New Mexico’s 0-0 draw with Boise State on Sunday at UNM Soccer Complex.
Boise State looked as if it was going to snag the victory in the first overtime when Raimee Sherlee broke free and let loose a shot from 20 yards out on the left side that appeared on target. But the ball struck the crossbar and went back into the field of play as the Lobos dodged a bullet.
Overall, the Lobos doubled up the Broncos on shots taken (22-11) and shots on goal (8-4), but weren’t able to take advantage of their opportunities in a physical contest where 22 total fouls were called (New Mexico 13, Boise State 9).
However, it was the Lobos’ defensive effort that stood tall as they produced their third clean sheet in their last four games. During the two games this week, the Lobos allowed only five shots on goal.
“I think we did really good defensively all over the field,” said center back Ashley Ballantyne, who played all 200 minutes along with fellow center back Emily Chavez this weekend. “I think it’s really important that we are attacking (defensively) at the top and not just at the back. I think it was a great collective effort this weekend.”
Dyche shared Ballantyne’s thoughts on the strong team defensive play.
“We didn’t give up a goal all weekend,” Dyche said. “It’s a huge testament to Emily and Ashley who are playing center back and I thought (Olivia Ferrier) was unreal. Also I think it’s cool that our team has different players step up. Isabella (Jimenez) stepped up today and Alexa (Cabrales) was outstanding on Friday. I think it’s good that planting the seed of getting a lot of players playing time early in the season is paying off.”
Maddie Irwin paced the Lobos with seven shots Sunday with four of those being on goal. Jennifer Munoz had three shots while Claire Lynch, Annie Wheeler, Quincy Slora and Gwen Maly took two shots apiece.
For New Mexico keeper Tayler Hammack, she had four saves in collecting her sixth shutout of the season.
The Lobos play their home finale 7:30 p.m. Friday versus Wyoming in a contest where they will honor the past, present and future of Lobo soccer.
NOTES: It was the seventh time the Lobos have held a team scoreless this season. … It was the sixth time this season the Lobos have gone scoreless. … This was the first game in eight meetings the Lobos and Broncos have played to a tie as the series is now in favor of New Mexico 6-1-1. … The Lobos reached the 20-shot mark for the fourth time this season with their 22 shots Sunday – tied for the second most on the year (the Lobos had a Mountain West-high 38 shots against New Mexico State on Sept. 16). … The Lobos are outshooting their opponents 251-184 this season. … The Lobos wore two different uniforms during the match as they had to switch from red to silver at halftime so not to match Boise State’s uniforms (which were orange on the back and white on the front).