A pair of firsts downed the UNM women's soccer team Wednesday against the San Diego State Aztecs, 2-0.
Young talent was prominent on the field Wednesday as the Aztecs' two goals were the first in the collegiate careers of freshmen Lisa Nielsen and Tiphanie Elliott. Lobos' head coach Kit Vela was also forced to start three freshmen for the first time because of injuries.
The Lobos ended their tumultuous season with the loss in the quarterfinals of the Mountain West Conference tournament in Provo, Utah.
The Aztecs opened the scoring at the 30-minute mark when Nielsen struck. Junior Amanda Swiader sent the ball down the wing to a streaking Amanda McKay. McKay floated a ball into the box that Nielsen promptly headed past Lobo goalkeeper Kristen Winters.
UNM could only muster one shot in the first half, but Aztec goalkeeper Sophia Perez thwarted the Lobos' lone opportunity.
"In the first half, we played very young and timid," Vela said.
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The Aztecs also weren't able to conjure up much magic, but one of their three shots before intermission gave Nielsen her gem.
The second half saw a much different UNM team, as the Lobos came out dominating the Aztecs, but in the end, they had nothing to show for their efforts.
"We took over in the second half," Vela said. "Every coach that was there said we dominated and killed them, and we should have won."
One of the Aztecs' three second-half shots slipped past Winters in the 73rd minute. SDSU senior Gina Salinas slipped a pass to a breaking Elliott, who was able to control the ball and place it in the upper-right corner of the net from 11 yards out.
"It was disappointing," Vela said, "San Diego has some good athletes, but they are a very average team."
The Lobos were not without their chances to score, though.
"We played well," Vela said. "We just couldn't capitalize on our opportunities. They capitalized on both of theirs."
The Lobos now turn their attention to next season and training in the spring. They will be returning 20 of 22 players, with a strong junior and sophomore base.
UNM will only lose two seniors this year, but they will be missed. Midfielder LeAnne Hendren and fan favorite forward Coco D'Angelo are moving on.
"We are a much more dynamic team than we have ever been," Vela said. "We just need that one consistent threat to put the ball in the net, like Jeff Rowland of the UNM men's team. I think some of our recruits for next year will be able to help us with that."
As for the season, the Lobos finished with a record of 5-12-0, besting their win total from last year. Still, Vela said, it was disappointing.
"We just had one of those years where nothing went our way, but we are returning a lot of these players for next year, and we have three recruits who, on paper, look like what we need."
As for the rest of the Lobos, Vela said they need to do some soul searching before next season.
