Golden Goal By Edwards Propels New Mexico To Second MW Tournament Title In Program History

BOISE, Idaho – For the first time in 10 years, New Mexico became Mountain West Tournament Champions. Jadyn Edwards scored a golden goal just 35 seconds into overtime to clinch the Tournament Champion title for the Lobos.

This marks the second time in program history that New Mexico has won the tournament. The first and only other time was during the 2011 season, when the Lobos also earned No. 1 seed in the tournament and. This is the only the second overtime win the Lobos have notched in the past eight seasons. The last being a 2-1 double overtime win over San Diego State in the 2016 regular season.

As No. 6 seed Boise State had home field advantage with a full crowd of Broncos fans at Boas Soccer Complex, the Lobos knew this would be a difficult task to overcome, but they were up to the challenge.

In the first half, the Lobos outshot the Broncos, 5-4. New Mexico’s strong defense kept the highly talented Bronco’s shot count down through the first 45 minutes. A few great saves by All-Conference First Team recipient Emily Johnson and a great tag team defensive play by Paige Satterlee and Karlee Maes highlighted the Lobos’ outstanding defense in the first half.

Madi Hirschman gave the Lobos the 1-0 advantage in the 33rd minute with a ball that bounced off the right post and just barely slipped in the net on the left side.

In the second half, Boise State came back on the pitch with a newfound fire. The Broncos recorded 14 shots (four on goal) in the second 45 minutes as the Lobos countered with six. Possession went back and forth through the entirety of the second half as both teams battled for the ball for much different reasons.

The Lobos battled to find a cushion to their already 1-0 lead. The Broncos battled to find the equalizer to put themselves back in the match and they did exactly that. In the 79th minute, the Broncos found the right side of the net to even the score at 1-1.

As time continued to tick down, the Broncos continued to apply pressure. Johnson made a few more key saves before the clock stopped at 90 minutes with the score still tied at 1-1.

Headed to overtime, both teams knew they had something to prove. Edwards knew the task she had to complete as she gained possession of the ball just 24 seconds into the first overtime period. She snaked herself around a few Broncos’ defenders, gaining some space to launch a ball to the right side of the net. Her shot just made it in to propel the Lobos to a 2-1 win over the Broncos in the 91st minute, making New Mexico the 2021 Mountain West Tournament Champions.

Offensive Player of the Year Edwards led the team with six shots (three on goal) and the game-winning goal in overtime. Hirschman recorded two shots on goal and the Lobos’ first goal. Johnson notched six saves and allowed one goal through almost 91 minutes played.

Morgan Stone led the Broncos with six shots (four on goal) and Boise State’s lone goal in the second half. Sydney Smith recorded six saves and allowed two goals for the Broncos.

Zaria Katesigwa earned the Mountain West Tournament MVP after also being named the conference Newcomer of The Year earlier in the week. She scored both Lobo goals in the 2-1 double overtime semifinal win over Utah State.

Three more Lobos were named to the All-Tournament Team as Edwards, Maes and Kirton all earned the honor. Edwards has been a force on the offensive side for the Lobos, recording 10 shots (four on goal) and a goal through the tournament. Maes and Kirton have been outstanding as defensive assets to New Mexico’s squad. They both have accounted for key offensive plays that helped the Lobos win both matches in the tournament.

New Mexico improves to 14-4-2 overall, setting a new record for second most single season wins in program history. The previous record for second-most wins was 13, which the Lobos tied after their 2-1 win over Utah State on Thursday. Boise State ends their season with a 11-7-4 overall record.

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