ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico women’s soccer team beat their in-state rivals, the New Mexico State Aggies 1–0 on Friday, September 14 at the UNM Soccer Complex. The game was much more than just a competition as the Lobos and Aggies joined forces to raise money to raise awareness pediatric cancer.
(9/14/2018) Women’s Soccer Rio Grande Rivalry
It was a slow start for the Lobos (4-3-0). The team had no issue creating shots for themselves, but were unable to find the back of the net. The Aggies (1-7-0) led the first half offensively, taking 13 shots while the Lobos only attempted six. There were no goals in the first 45, as Emily Johnson for the Lobos had three saves and Ashley Martin for the Aggies had four.
“I thought we got out played, effort wise, in the first half,” said UNM’s Head Coach Heather Dyche. “All we talked about at half time was effort. That was the biggest adjustment that we tried to make.”
The effort the Lobos put into owning the second half was evident. In their last 45 minutes, the Lobos brought the speed and energy that has lead the team to a 4-3 record season before heading into conference play.
With 16 minutes to play, the Lobos got their break as a penalty was called on the Aggies’ Grace Olson. Taking the penalty shot for the Lobos was Freshman Alesia Garcia, who made good on the penalty kick to give UNM a late 1-0 lead. That goal was Garcia’s fourth of the season to lead the team. Despite a great opportunity at the equalizing the score, the Aggies were unable to find the back of the net as the Lobos came away with a 1-0 win over their in-state rivals.
74′ | GOAL! Alesia Garcia puts it home on a PK! Her 4th of the season. Lobos up 1-0! #RioGrandeRivalry #GoLobos pic.twitter.com/n2GoybAfq1
— Lobo Women’s Soccer (@UNMLoboWSoccer) September 15, 2018
Rivalries aside, the Lobos and the Aggies rallied together on Friday night to help a cause that effects hundreds of every year. This game, the two teams joined in to support the to raise awareness for pediatric cancer.
“We sold all of our t-shirts. A huge credit to New Mexico State for being a part of that too,” says Dyche. “That was a big crowd, so to have everyone on the same page for a cause was really unique and special for our state.”
The Lobos now head into conference play, hosting Colorado State on Friday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the UNM Soccer Complex.