SANTA BARBARA, Calif.— The Lobos were dealt their first setback of the season, falling 2-0 to UC Santa Barbara on Thursday night.
UCSB took advantage of a turnover deep in UNM territory in the 65th minute to score its first goal, with the ball sailing over the head of Lobo keeper Alyson Campbell and added its second goal on a header to the bottom left of the goal after the ball was floated into the box in the 76th minute.
Following a scoreless first half, the Lobos had a succession of opportunities in the 55th minute with shots by Allie Anderson and Alysa Whelchel blocked six second apart, and a shot by Whelchel three seconds after that at 54:50 to the bottom left saved by the Gaucho keeper. A shot by Nicole Anderson at 55:29 was also blocked with another shot off the Lobo forward at 59:08 blocked as well.
Savanah Sanchez tried to get the Lobos on the board with a shot to the bottom left that was saved at 60:23 before UCSB broke through four minutes later.
Both teams took 16 shots in the match, with the Lobos outshooting the Gauchos 12-7 in the second half, however the Gauchos held the 9-7 edge in shots on goal and 8-2 in corner kicks. Campbell recorded a season-high seven saves in the match, four in the first half which included three in the first 14 minutes of play, and three in the second half.
UNM (4-1-2) remains in California to face Cal State Fullerton on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. PT/ 3 p.m. MT on ESPN+.