BOX SCORE (PDF) | SEASON STATS (PDF)
FRESNO, Calif. – The University of New Mexico women’s soccer team secured their first road victory of the season on Friday night as the Lobos defeated Fresno State on their home field by a score of 2-1. Prior to Friday night’s road triumph, UNM had been 0-3 on the road with two of those losses being by a single goal.
The Lobos (6-4-0, 2-1-0 MW) wasted little time in finding the back of the net as in the third minute, Jessica Nelson found Gwen Maly in the box for UNM’s first goal of the game. It was Maly’s third goal of the season and her second in as many games as well.
With an early 1-0 lead garnered by the Lobos within the first five minute of action, UNM continued to apply pressure and in the 16th minute, Leilani Baker netted her second goal of the season as she had a breakaway opportunity and finished the chance to give the Lobos a 2-0 lead.
That score held until right before the half when Fresno State got on the scoreboard thanks to a converted penalty kick try by Dayna Gutierrez. Prior to that, UNM netminder Emily Johnson had saved all five shots on goal through the first 40 minutes of the game. After that, the Bulldogs (1-8-2, 0-2-1) attempted two more shots, but neither made it Johnson as the Lobo defense blocked the shots.
Just about as soon as the second half started, Johnson was tested some more as she had to make a save 21 seconds into the new 45-minute period. Seconds later, Johnson had to face a second penalty kick. This time, Johnson was able to make the save – keeping it a 2-1 game in favor of the Lobos.
The next 10 minutes or so of play were rather physical as the Lobos and Bulldogs combined for six fouls following the penalty kick miss by Fresno State.
The Lobos would register three more shots on goal, but were unable to build on their one-goal lead. Meanwhile, Johnson and the Lobo defense made that advantage stand up the rest of the game as Johnson notched three more saves en route to preserving the 2-1 win for the Lobos. Johnson’s solid game in goal saw the junior tie a season-high with 10 saves.
The Lobos will now turn their attention to San Jose State on Sunday. UNM and the Spartans will kickoff at 2 p.m. (MT).