FORT COLLINS, Colo. — The University of New Mexico women’s soccer team snagged a Gwen Maly goal in the 11th minute and held on the rest of the way to defeat Colorado State, 1-0, Sunday on the road at The Lagoon.
The Lobos (8-7-3 overall, 4-5-1 Mountain West) picked up their lone goal when a ball bouncing around the penalty area found Jennifer Munoz who headed it to Maly who headed the ball just out of the reach of the keeper, struck the bottom of the crossbar and just crossed the goal line to give New Mexico an early 1-0 advantage.
New Mexico had its chances in the first half to add on to the lead (it outshot the Rams 14-7 in the opening 45 minutes) – including strong chances on an Amelia Bierle rocket from the top of the penalty box and a Maddie Irwin shot on frame, but both were saved by Colorado State keeper Paige Brandt.
In the second half the Lobos didn’t have near the chances, but the defense was able to fend off nine second-half shots by the Rams (3-13-2, 1-8-1) as UNM keeper Tayler Hammack collected her seventh shutout of the season (the Lobos have eight as a team in 2016). Hammack finished with five saves.
Helping out in the shutout once again for the Lobos were center backs Emily Chavez and Ashley Ballantyne as the duo played all 90 minutes while thwarting several Colorado State chances for New Mexico.
The victory comes two days after a tough 3-0 loss to Wyoming for the Lobos in their home finale Friday and coach Heather Dyche was pleased with how her team bounced back.
“It was another good response from an emotional loss by our team,” Dyche said. “It was taxing to travel Saturday and I was pleased to get a result today.”
UNM finished leading Colorado State in shots (20-16) and shots on goal (7-6). Irwin paced New Mexico with four shots while Claire Lynch and Maly had three shots apiece with all three of Maly’s shots on frame.
The Lobos conclude their regular season Friday when they travel to take on San Diego State.
NOTES: Freshman Gwen Maly was inserted into the starting lineup for the third time this season. The Lobos have now started a freshman four times in 2016 with the other start coming from Jessie Hix. … For Maly, Sunday’s goal was her second on the season (and, obviously, of her career). … The Lobos are now 4-0 against the Rams all-time since Colorado State started its program in 2013, including three shutouts.
Lobos make early goal stand against Rams
