It wasn’t the end result the UNM women’s soccer team was looking for. After an hour long lightning delay pushed back the start time for the match, Texas Tech wasted no time proving its dominance on its home turf in Lubbock, Texas. The Red Raiders defeated the Lobos, 2-0, in what was the season opener for both teams.
Prior to the matchup, the Lobos played an exhibition against CSU Pueblo on Aug. 14, in which they ran away with a 7-0 victory over their opposition. But Texas Tech, a team that features a plethora of talent, utilized it to its full potential.
The first shot on goal for the Red Raiders came early on with sophomore wing Kirsten Davis firing off an attempt just 2:40 into the match. She got two more looks at the goal within the first eight minutes of the match.
TTU was stingy with the ball, controlling possession and attacking throughout the first half. The effort finally yielded a goal, as the Red Raiders took a 1-0 lead after the ball bounced around near the top of the box and freshman forward Charlotte Teeter cashed in. She turned and struck the ball, burying the ball into the net for her first career goal.
Texas Tech outshot New Mexico by a 9-2 margin in shots on goal and 17-4 overall, making it a busy day for junior Lobo goalkeeper Emily Johnson, who was also a starter last season. She accounted for seven saves protecting the net, but faced a tough situation early in the second half.
In the 58th minute, Texas Tech junior Jade King, who only appeared in 12 matches last year after she sustained a leg injury, was able to draw a foul after she was knocked down. King was awarded a penalty kick — which she took full advantage of. She beat Johnson to knock it an important second Red Raider goal to create separation and put her team up 2-0 over the Lobos.
Despite UNM playing the second half with a resurgence of offense, Texas Tech’s offensive prowess seemed to be a step ahead.
New Mexico was only able to account for two shots on goal, both of which came from senior midfielder/forward Jennifer Muñoz. The lack of scoring chances ultimately led to the Lobos getting shut out in a 2-0 victory for the Red Raiders.
The Lobos haven’t won a season opener they shut out Montana 7-0 to kick off the 2010 season. It was the second time in three years that Texas Tech has spoiled New Mexico’s first regular season game, downing the Lobos by a score of 2-1 in 2016.
UNM will have a week off before it plays host to the Pacific Tigers on Friday, Aug. 24. The game is scheduled for a 5 p.m. start time at the UNM Soccer Complex.
Matthew Narvaiz is a sports beat reporter and senior writer for the Daily Lobo. He primarily covers football but contributes content for several other sports. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @matt_narvaiz.
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