Lobos post tie with Fresno State
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico women’s soccer team posted a 2-2 draw with Fresno State on Sunday afternoon in Albuquerque. Fresno State held a 2-1 lead until the 87th minute of the match when junior Leilani Baker broke through a scramble in the box, tying the game and forcing the two subsequent overtime periods.
87′ | GOAALL! Leilani Baker ties it up as she slides this one into the back of the net! Lobos and Fresno State tied at 2 with less than 4 minutes left in the game. #GoLobos pic.twitter.com/XurHVKfx5d
— Lobo Women’s Soccer (@UNMLoboWSoccer) October 27, 2019
The Lobos (9-7-2, 5-4-1) jumped on the board first in the game as sophomore Jadyn Edwards gained possession of the ball off a pass from junior Alexa Kirton and drove it toward the net. Edwards then crossed the ball to Maly inside the box, which she immediately hammered into the back of the net, leaving no time for Fresno State’s Alex Best to react and stop the ball. With the goal, Maly now leads the team in goals at six.
31’| GOAALLL! Jadyn Edwards sets up Gwen Maly with a solid cross and Maly nets her sixth goal of the season! Lobos lead Fresno State 1-0 with 14 minutes remaining in the first half. #GoLobos pic.twitter.com/VYUAA4pLKX
— Lobo Women’s Soccer (@UNMLoboWSoccer) October 27, 2019
Sophomore Alesia Garcia had the opportunity to give the Lobos a 2-0 advantage as she sunk a goal at the beginning of the second half. However, there was an offsides call on the play and the goal was revoked, leaving the game at 1-0.
The Bulldogs managed to tie the game in the 59th minute when a misdirected kick by the Lobos was picked up by Fresno State’s Robyn Mccarthy. Mccarthy then got the ball to Ele Avery who nudged the ball just past redshirt-sophomore Malia Vanisi to tie the game at one-a-piece.
Fresno State then gained possession of the lead in the 78th minute as Vanisi dove to save a shot from Bulldog Jordan Brown. Vanisi was unable to secure the ball which rebounded to Sydni Lunt who then took a shot into the opposite side of the net, point and advantage Fresno State.
It looked as though the Bulldogs were going to hold on and secure the win after Edwards just missed a header opportunity that would have tied the game in the 84th minute. Edwards, however, was a key part in the equalizing goal that came from Baker in the 87th minute.
Edwards again gained possession of the ball off a pass from Kirton and launched it into the box where Baker was waiting. After being turned around due to a Fresno State defender, Baker was able to find the ball, and slid it into the back of the net, tying the game at two.
The game then went into two overtime periods with both teams in search of the golden goal. Vanisi and the Lobos defense played a tremendous part ensuring that Fresno State did not see that opportunity. In both overtime periods, New Mexico faced just one shot compared to three for Fresno State, one of those being on goal.
The Lobos will now host San Diego State on November 1st at 7:30 p.m. for their last conference game of the regular season. The game will be senior night, recognizing Jessie Hix and Jill Olguin for their contributions to Lobo women’s soccer history.