Lobos suffer first home loss of the season
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — In their first game back home after a four-game road swing, The University of New Mexico women’s soccer team lost to the San Jose State Spartans 2-0 at the UNM Soccer Complex. The loss at home serves as the Lobos’ first home loss of the season after going 4-0 prior to Friday night’s game.
San Jose State (6-7-4, 4-3-2) managed to net two goals in the match offensively and shutout the Lobos (9-7-0, 5-4-0) defensively. The 2-0 loss is just the second match this season that the Lobos have dropped by more than one point.
The Spartans jumped on the board early off a shot from Jennifer Orozco in the 12th minute. Orozco was able to capitalize on an open look of the net, striking a ball from the right of the box and past redshirt-sophomore goalie Malia Vanisi. The shot looked as though it was going to be a cross to a fellow Spartan, however the shot was on goal and gave SJSU a one-point lead.
Before the first half concluded, the Lobos had a chance at an equalizing goal from junior Leilani Baker. Baker rushed past her Spartan defender and managed to make enough room to collect a strong shot which was saved by Ariana Romero.
In the 52nd second of the match, the Lobos found themselves with a free kick opportunity which redshirt-junior Gwen Maly took. The shot just missed the net, hitting the crossbar and bouncing out of bounds.
Two plays later, the Spartans were awarded a corner kick which was made good off of a header from SJSU’s Kristen Amarikwa, giving the Spartans a two-goal advantage. The Spartans were able to hold the two-goal lead for the remainder of the match, leaving the Lobos scoreless.
The Lobos saw some good opportunities which would have put them on the board, however, SJSU’s goalie Ariana Romero ensured the team remained scoreless. After a total of 20 shots, Romero saw three saves and zero goals.
The Lobos remain in Albuquerque for their two remaining home contests versus Fresno State on October 27 at noon and San Diego State on November 11 at 7:30 p.m.