LAS CRUCES, N.M. — The University of New Mexico women’s soccer team was in control for most of its contest with in-state foe New Mexico State on Thursday at the NMSU Soccer Complex.
The Lobos outshot the Aggies 18-6 and controlled possession for much of the game – but couldn’t find a way to slip one past the NMSU keeper and one late breakdown turned into the difference as the Aggies scored on a breakaway with 45 seconds left to defeat UNM, 1-0.
“NMSU gets credit for starting the game with great energy, but in the second half we created more than enough to win the game and we were really disappointed to give up a late goal,” UNM coach Heather Dyche said. “(NMSU keeper) Dmitri Fong was outstanding for them today.”
The contest opened up in the second half after a tightly played first half that saw UNM take six shots compared to one for the Aggies with no shots taken on goal by either team.
In the second half, the Lobos’ Quincy Slora let a shot loose from 15 yards out in the 57th minute only to see Fong deflect it over the goal. Four minutes later Slora got another chance, but Fong made a diving save to keep the contest scoreless.
One of the Lobos’ final chances to break the scoreless tie came in the 84th minute when Bailey Webster had a chance in front of the goal box – but the NMSU keeper approached and smothered Webster’s shot to keep the game scoreless.
NMSU took the lead when on a counter attack the Aggies ended up with a two-on-one and Audriana Chavez scored on a pass from Devin Hart with 46 seconds remaining.
The Lobos had a final corner kick with the clock ticking toward zero, but NMSU was able to clear the ball and celebrate their first victory over UNM since the program started in 2010.
Slora finished with six shots (four on goal), Leilani Baker took four shots (one on goal) and Eileen Zendejas and Bailey Webster had two shots apiece. UNM keeper Emily Johnson finished with two saves.
UNM looks to bounce back 1 p.m. Sunday when it takes on UTEP in El Paso.