Delayed by lightning strikes, the University of New Mexico women’s soccer team experienced technical difficulties in their match against the Grand Canyon University Antelopes, but ultimately defied Zeus’ wrath, securing a 4-1 victory.
Though the game was delayed, and both teams were challenged to remain ready and warm for some late-night Mountain West play on Thursday, Oct. 9, the Lobos broke out of the game ready to compete.
The Lobos immediately defined the game and took control in the first half of play, earning four shots on the goal, compared to one by the Lopes by the 19 minute mark. The aggressiveness paid off for the Lobos, as defensive midfielder Kennedy Brown scored the first goal of the night on an assist from forward Mercedes Morris.
The second goal of the night came during the 28th minute of play, where a failed shot was rebounded from forward Nicole Anderson, and capitalized on by midfielder Alysa Whelchel, scoring a goal. The Lopes tried to respond, but were thwarted by goalkeeper Alyson Campbell, who was the star goalkeeper of the night.
The Lobos would score again at the 37-minute mark when Anderson was assisted by defender Morgan Juran to push the Lobos’ lead to 3-0. Their defense was a major strength of the first half, as all of GCUs’ shots on the goal were saved.
In the second half, the Lopes came out swinging as the Lobos had their hand, but their efforts were shut down. The Lobos scored one final time at the 57th minute as Morris banged in the assist from Whelchel.
UNM applied pressure during the whole game and made the GCU claustrophobic at times, which spelled a recipe for success. The Lopes didn’t allow the Lobos to completely shut them out of the game, as in the final two minutes of the game, defender Elle Stanley put her team on the board with their lone goal.
The Lobos took another win Sunday, Oct. 12 against the University of Nevada Wolf Pack 3-1. They are currently third in the Mountain West standings, and will face Utah State University at home on Thursday Oct. 16.
Wyatt S. Padilla is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @wyattspadilla
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