by Justin Goodrum
Daily Lobo
With only two goals in five games, the UNM women's soccer team was looking to show off its offensive firepower.
The Syracuse Orange ended up the victims of the Lobos' offensive showcase Sunday, losing 3-0 at the UNM Soccer Complex.
Lobo head coach Kit Vela said her team had multiple opportunities to pick up wins, but it hasn't been able to take advantage of some chances.
"Coming into this game we were 1-1-2 and we've been playing well. That loss and those two ties could have been wins," Vela said.
Both teams struggled to score during the first part of the match, but the Lobos turned up the pressure on Syracuse goalkeeper Emily Kowalczyk when Kristine Sweat scored on a 29-yard kick in the 12th minute.
Syracuse couldn't find an answer to the Lobos' defense, as it had no shots on goal in the first half.
The Lobos were able to create more scoring chances with 10 shots in the second half compared to four in the first half. More shots resulted in more goals, as Katelyn Ley assisted Kaela Kelly, who put in a diving header in the 78th minute to give the Lobos a 2-0 lead.
With eight minutes left, Katelyn Ley and Bridgette Sanchez assisted Sweat for her second goal of the game.
Syracuse eventually got their first shot on goal on a breakaway chance by Jen Taormina, but Taormina's shot was denied by Lobo goalkeeper Kristen Winters.
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The Lobos used their ability to play solid defense to lead to scoring chances throughout the game.
"We've always been a good defensive team, this year especially," Vela said. "Our players are older and we are just more experienced. They've played against this type of competition in the past, so it's nothing new to them."
Vela said this match was an important win.
"That's the first time we have ever done that well against a team of this caliber," Vela said. "We didn't play great, but we played well enough to win."
Alanna Abeyta said her team made the key plays to score goals.
"We had people throwing themselves in front of the goal, something that we kind of lacked in other games," Abeyta said.
Vela was happy the Lobos scored the kind of goals the fans wanted.
"Any win is a big win," she said, "It was nice, and I hope the fans enjoyed it because we certainly did. Those are the kinds of goals that we are capable of."
Although beating Syracuse was a great victory, the Lobos still have room for improvement, Vela said.
"I actually think no matter what would have happened today, the last four games have been really good," she said. "We haven't played a soft team yet, but we have to look at this and say this was great, but we haven't arrived."
