Lobos edge out Rio Grande rivals, New Mexico State 1-0

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — After an action packed 90-minute match against in-state rival, New Mexico State, The University of New Mexico women’s soccer team topped the Aggies 1-0 at the New Mexico State Soccer Athletic Complex on Friday evening.  The game-winning goal for the Lobos came from freshman midfielder Maysa Walters in the 65^th minute. The Lobos (4-3-0) forced 13 saves from NMSU (1-4-2) goalie Dmitri Fong, taking 28 shots in total in the match.
 
Although there was not a goal in the first half, the Lobos were full-throttle on offence, posting 12 shots in the first 45′ alone. On the flip side, the Aggies saw just one shot in that same time span.
 
The Lobos did not get on the board until the 65^th minute of the game when junior Leilani Baker found Walters at the top of the box. Walters drove the ball in a few strides before hammering the ball into the left corner of the net, just out-of-reach for NMSU’s goalie. This was Walters’ first goal off of just her second shot in her collegiate career.
 

65′ | GOOAAAALLLL! Maysa Walters gets the Lobos on the board with her first career goal as a Lobo! #GoLobos pic.twitter.com/bggo2KW668

— Lobo Women’s Soccer (@UNMLoboWSoccer) September 20, 2019

 
The game remained scoreless for the Aggies due to the knock-out defensive performance by the Lobos. Not even a minute prior to the Lobo goal, New Mexico State was in scoring position as UNM goalie, Malia Vanisi came off the net to save a shot from NMSU’s Alexa Barrera. Sophomore Karlee Maes covered Vanisi as another shot was headed to the goal. Rebounded by NMSU, the play ended with a saving dive from Vanisi which allowed the Lobos to gain possession of the ball and score.
 

62′ | WHAT A PLAY! #GoLobos pic.twitter.com/O37Nh5H3Hg

— Lobo Women’s Soccer (@UNMLoboWSoccer) September 20, 2019

The second-half saw 16 shots from the Lobos, forcing seven saves from NMSU.
 
The Lobos stay on the road as they open their conference season at Colorado State University on September 26. The Lobos end their away streak at the University of Wyoming on September 29.