Late Goal Forces 1-1 Tie at Air Force

U.S. AFA, Colo. — The University of New Mexico men’s soccer team posted its second straight draw on Saturday afternoon with a final score of 1-1 on the road at Air Force in the season’s final exhibition matchup. 

The Lobos’ lone goal came late in the game when redshirt-freshman Bailey Letherman launched a free kick from the wing to redshirt-sophomore Billy Jones. Jones finished with a header to equalize the score.

“There was much more to this game than our previous exhibitions. The first half was played indoors, the second outside, it was a first in my career,” head coach Jeremy Fishbein said. “We dealt with quite a bit of adversity with the weather and with an Air Force veteran team starting nine seniors. I really like our unity and passion.

“Today was a lot to ask after yesterday’s events, but I’m really happy with our young boys’ progress and the leadership of our upper clansmen. I’m excited for the season!”

It was Air Force that struck early, registering the first goal of the match at just the 4:45 mark when the Falcons’ Reece Cook put one low past Lobo keeper Ford Parker.

Due to inclement weather, the contest was played half indoor and half outdoor. At the halfway point, Air Force held the 1-0 advantage.

The Lobos remained down one until, with just 3:40 left, Jones found the back of the net to tie it up before the conclusion of regulation.

New Mexico returns to action for its season opener on Friday, August 24 at 7 p.m. against Seattle at the UNM Soccer Complex. The Lobos will follow it up with a second straight home matchup against Washington on Monday, August 30.

*Note – For UNM exhibition games, full statistics will not be published. Fans looking to follow the action can do so in person, or follow GoLobos.com for score updates and scoring summaries.

Scoring Summary:
1. 4:45    AFA     COOK, Reece (G); DEWING, Austin (A)
2. 86:20  NM      JONES, Billy (G); LETHERMAN, Bailey (A)