LUBBOCK, Texas — The University of New Mexico Lobos played well on the road, but Texas Tech’s Charlotte Teeter scored in the first half, and a second half penalty kick iced it for the Red Raiders and UNM dropped a 2-0 decision in the season opener for both schools. UNM now returns home for a pair of home games next weekend, hosting San Francisco at 5 p.m. on Friday and Idaho State at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
The game started nearly an hour late as lightning was in the area, necessitating a 48-minute delay from the scheduled 7:15 Central Time start. Texas Tech tried to utilize the speed of Kirsten Davis on the wing, and twice she broke through UNM’s defense, but veteran junior keeper Emily Johnson was up to the task.
On the first, Davis’ shot on a breakaway was just touched wide by Johnson on the short side, and then she ably came out and smothered a breakaway when Davis tried to race past her. Johnson however couldn’t do anything about Charlotte Teeter’s shot at the 31:07 mark. Teeter picked up a bouncing ball near the top of the 18 to the left of the net and set one off the side netting for a 1-0 lead.
So @emilyajohnson_ is good at this whole goalkeeping thing. 15 minutes in and still no score. #GoLobos pic.twitter.com/c1Cf9SngkN
— Lobo Women’s Soccer (@UNMLoboWSoccer) August 18, 2018
The game stayed that way with UNM picking up the offensive pace in the second half. However, that was undone when a foul was whistled on UNM in the box on what looked like a broken play. That resulted in a penalty, and Johnson guessed correctly against Jade King, and that made it 2-0.
With about five minutes left and UNM pushing play to get back in it, Tech was able to win a ball and counter with Davis getting around a defender and unloading from inside the 18. Johnson however flew to her left and deflected it just enough, the ball careening off her hand and then the crossbar for the save of the night.
UNM was outshot on the night 17-4, including 9-2 on goal. Tech had 11 corners to UNM’s five. Johnson made seven saves for UNM.