Lobos Rally Late for 2-2 Draw at UC Riverside
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The New Mexico women’s soccer team concluded its non-conference schedule Sunday with a 2-2 draw with UC Riverside at the UCR Soccer Stadium. The Lobos (2-2-3) scored two goals in the final 11 minutes of play to erase a 2-0 deficit and earn the draw with the Highlanders (2-2-3).
Sophia Roberts and Leilani Baker scored for the Lobos, who rallied from a two-goal deficit for the first time since a 3-2 win over Utah State in 2018.
The Highlanders took the lead in the 19th minute as Alexandra Hargrave blasted home her fifth goal of the season. New Mexico had several chances late in the half that forced tough saves from the UCR keeper, before UC Riverside took advantage of a late corner kick. Chelsee Duran headed in a corner kick in the 44th minute to make the score 2-0, which was the halftime margin.
Neither team had many chances in the second half until Karlee Maes hit the crossbar for the Lobos in the 75th minute. New Mexico kept up the pressure and got on the board in the 80th minute. Roberts collected a ball and fired a long distance shot into the far upper corner for her first goal as a Lobo. UNM drew even in the 86th minute as Maes delivered a free kick from midfield that bounced in the box before Baker headed it past the keeper for her second goal of the season.
The Lobos outshot the Highlanders 14-8, while UCR had the edge in corner kicks, 9-7. Alli Davis made three saves in goal for New Mexico.
“I thought we played a good first half, despite the score,” said UNM head coach Heather Dyche. “We felt really good that if we maintained that energy we would find a way back. In this heat, we are really proud to come back and get a tie.”
The Lobos have 11 days off before returning to action on Sept. 22 when they open Mountain West play at Wyoming.
NEW MEXICO 2, UC RIVERSIDE 2
New Mexico (2-2-3) 0 2 – 2
UC Riverside (2-2-3) 2 0 – 2
Scoring Summary
1. UCR. Alexandra Hargrave 5 (Leyna Wood 1) 19’
2. UCR. Chelsee Duran 1 (Braelynn Llamoca 1) 44’
3. UNM. Sophia Roberts 1 (unassisted) 80’
4. UNM. Leilani Baker 2 (Karlee Maes 2) 86’
Stats:
Shots: UNM 14, UCR 8
SOG: UNM 8, UCR 5
Corners: UNM 7, UCR 9
Saves: UNM 3 (Davis 3, Droitsch 0), UCR 6 (Kaio 6)
Fouls: UNM 13, UCR 12