Lobos suffer first MW loss of season in vigorous battle with UNLV

LAS VEGAS –The Lobos were looking to bounce back after their first draw of the season to Nevada on Friday night but fell to a tough UNLV team, 2-1, on Sunday afternoon for New Mexico’s first conference loss of the season.

The loss marks the Lobos’ first loss since their 3-0 home loss to Oregon State on August 29th. It is also their first conference loss since a 1-0 loss to Utah State last season (March 27, 2021).

The first half of the match was slow as both teams used the period to figure out each other’s style of play. The Lobos only recorded one shot, while the Rebels countered with three. Each team had a single corner kick in the first half. Jadyn Edwards and the rest of the offense displayed their speed throughout the match, but Edwards gave the Rebels a run for their money with a strong charge in the 13th minute.

Both the Lobos and Rebels picked up the pace in the second half. After a couple shots from either team, New Mexico got the opportunity to score first. With many Lobos in the perfect spot to fire one in, it was just a matter of time before the ball reached the back of the net. Edwards fired off a blocked shot and saved shot before Zaria Katesigwa finished the job and put the Lobos up 1-0 in the 54th minute.

The Lobos’ goal kickstarted a lot of action in the next 14 minutes. New Mexico was fighting to widen their advantage and UNLV was fighting to even the score. The Lobos fired off four shots and utilized three corner kicks but were unable to produce much from that. The Rebels recorded two shots and one corner kick, before tying the match at 1-1 in the 78th minute.

In the next 10 minutes, the Lobos struggled to keep the ball. UNLV took advantage of their possession of the ball as they scored the game winner in the 88th minute on a penalty kick by Taylie Liddell. New Mexico was unable to answer the goal and fell to the Rebels, 2-1 in regulation.

Katesigwa scored the Lobos’ lone goal of the match, recording two shots. Edwards led the team with five shots (one on goal) and an assist. Emily Johnson went face-to-face with the Rebels on many occasions, notching five clutch saves for the Lobos.

The Lobos now sit at 9-3-1 (4-1-1 MW), while the Rebels improve to 9-6 (2-4 MW).

New Mexico hits the road again next week to California. The Lobos will face San Jose State on Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. (MT), in San Jose, Calif. The team will then travel to Fresno, Calif., to face Fresno State on Oct. 17 at 1 p.m.

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