Box Score Trailblazers women soccer fell to New Mexico Sunday morning with a final score of 5-1.
WHAT HEAD COACH MOLLY ROUSE SAID: "Today's match was an awesome example of the competitive standard the Mountain West Conference offers. This weekend we were challenged with two great opponents who highlighted the importance of staying locked in mentally, for the entire 90 minutes. We were happy to see lots of great attacking and defending moments come out for our group and we will continue to strive for consistency especially within critical moments of the game. Fortunately, we have another solid mountain west opponent on the schedule this week, to test how much we can grow before Thursday."
HOW IT HAPPENED: The first 15 minutes of the game were packed with action. In the third minute, New Mexico's Zaria Katesigwa drove into the middle of the penalty box and lofted a shot by the Dixie State defender that knocked off the far post past a diving
Kayla Gonzales for the Lobos first goal of the game.
It didn't take the Trailblazers long to answer. In the eighth minute, Jill Bennett slotted the ball to the far side of the field and Whitley Griffiths was there to tuck it in around the keeper and into the back of the net. The score was tied 1-1.
New Mexico had a second goal in the 13th minute. The Lobos had a service on the right side, Gonzales deflected however, Katesigwa was there to settle the ball and sink it into the net to give UNM a 2-1 lead.
In the 27th minute, Griffiths placed another shot on frame that hit off the far post but UNM was able to clear it before a goal execution. Later, in the 39th minute, McKinley Barney had a shot on frame that went through the keepers hands. The Lobo keeper recovered and made a sprawling swipe to keep it out of the net.
At the half, UNM had a 2-1 lead over DSU. New Mexico out shot Dixie State 13-9 in the first half. DSU came away with three saves to UNM's two.
During the second half the Trailblazers had a few runs at goal and a few corners but weren't able to capitalize. New Mexico was able to score three more goals in the second half to take a 5-1 victory over Dixie State.
STAT BREAKDOWN: Bennett and
Kelsey Cook led DSU with three shots each. Bennett and Griffiths each had a pair of shots on goal.
Gonzales recorded a full 90 minutes in the net and came away with five saves on the day.
Dixie State ended the game with 14 total shots and six on goal while UNM ended with 20 total shots and 10 on goal.
NOTES TO KNOW: Dixie State is now 1-1-0 overall on the season.
UP NEXT: The Trailblazers will take on Boise State on Aug. 26 and North Dakota State Aug. 29. DSU's first home game is set for Sept. 10 against Pacific.
