LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Senior Day at the Soccer Athletic Complex in Las Cruces, N.M. featured strong defensive play from both teams as NM State recorded the game's only goal with 6:11 remaining in the contest, as they shutout UT-Rio Grande Valley 1-0.
The Aggies (5-12-2) faced seven shots on goal and goaltenders
Ashley Martin and
Raeann Garcia stood tall and saved them all. Along with the stellar play by Martin in the first half and Garcia in the second, the NM State defense blocked three shots and safely defended two corner kicks, the only ones of the game.
From the start, NM State and UTRGV looked to end the season on a high note with aggressive play. However, this play resulted in nine fouls combined for the two teams as they headed in to the locker rooms at halftime. Coupled with the aggressive play, the first 45 minutes of action highlighted great defense by both squads as each team fired four shots, to no avail, as the half ended in a 0-0 tie.
The second half saw the Aggies get outshot by a wide margin, 12-3. Five minutes into the half, the Vaqueros found a hole in the Aggies defense and fired three shots from close range as Garcia saved the first two and the third sailed wide of the net.
Although the Aggies were outshot and out possessed throughout the second half, they showed resilience and at the 83rd minute,
Aileen Galicia received a cross in the box from
Audriana Chavez and put a shot in the back of the net to put NM State up 1-0.
As the minutes ticked away, UTRGV made multiple substitutions in the hope that their luck would change, but it was not to be, as the Aggies prevailed 1-0 in their final regular season game.
The final game of the season honored the Aggies three seniors
Daniela Barraza,
Gabby Campbell and
Stephanie Petre. The veteran Aggies have combined for 169 total games as they head into the final WAC Tournament play of their careers.
New Mexico State looks to capitalize on this momentum as they play in the first round of the WAC Tournament at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3.
POSTGAME NOTES: NM State recorded their first win when opponents have more shots on goal (1-10-1)…Aggies recorded their fourth shutout of the season…NM State tied a season-low with for the third time with zero corner kicks …Aggies are now over .500 this season when tied at halftime (4-3-1).
