Lobos Shutout at Air Force
USAFA, COLO. — In a windy matchup versus Air Force, The University of New Mexico women’s soccer team fell short in ending their road conference slate with a win, losing 3-0. Air Force was led by Lexi Romero who had a foot in all three goals scored, ending the match with two goals and one assist.
With the win, the Falcons (9-5-1, 4-4-0) have now forced five shutouts on the season, equal to the Lobos (9-6-0, 5-3-0).
In the opening half, a long shot from the Falcons hit the crossbar and bounced back into the box, finding Romero. Romero was then able to head the ball past redshirt-sophomore goalie Malia Vanisi, putting AF on the board in the 18th minute.
The remainder of the first half did not see a goal from either team. New Mexico had two free-kick opportunities, however, the wind posed to be an issue as the direction of both kicks were changed as the ball was in the air, moving them off target.
Air Force opened the second half with another goal from Romero, this time off of a long pass into the box. Initially, it was junior Alexa Kirton that rebounded the ball, but Romero was able to gain possession and nudged the ball past Vanisi, who was off the net in attempt to stop the play, scoring the second goal for Air Force.
The Falcons scored their third and final goal in the 80th minute of the match. The play began with a scramble for the ball which allowed Air Force’s Romero to gain possession at the top of the box. Romero then passed the ball to Emma Nelson, allowing her to drive the ball to the net, ending the play with a goal.
The Lobos finished with nine shots, five of those coming from sophomore Jadyn Edwards. One of those shots was a near goal for Edwards as she drove the ball on the near side with two Air Force defenders on her left. She was able to break away from the pack and hammered the ball to the net. The shot was saved by Air Force, leaving the Lobos scoreless.
The Lobos now return to Albuquerque to finish the remainder of their conference season, starting with San Jose State on October 25 at 7:30 for their Homecoming match. The last two match-ups on the regular season slate are versus Fresno State on October 27 and San Diego State on November 1.