LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The New Mexico State women's soccer looks to bounce back in the Battle of I-25 when rival New Mexico visits Las Cruces for a 4 p.m. (MT) matchup on Friday, Sept. 20, before the Aggies take on NAU on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 1 p.m.
 
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Follow Along
Fans can keep up with all of this weekend's action with live stats from StatBroadcast.
 
Where to Watch
Both of the Aggies' matches this weekend are set to stream live on the WAC Digital Network.
 
Stuff the Stands
With the Battle of I-25 taking place on Friday, we need your help to stuff the stands against the Lobos! In order to stuff the stands, we are offering $3 group rate tickets. There is a 15-ticket minimum and the offer is valid until the day of the match.
 
Also, make sure you stick around after the match for postgame autographs with the team!
 
Canines and Cones
As with all of our Sunday home matches, this Sunday is Bark at the Park but this week, it's presented by Caliche's! Bring your canine companions and enjoy some ice cream with us at the Soccer Complex.
 
Stop, O'Connor Time
Prior to the 2019 season, the Aggies added Oregon State transfer Shea O'Connor to the roster. The junior from Eugene, Ore., has lived up to the hype, leading the team in goals (3) and points (6) through six matches. O'Connor netted her first goal in the Crimson and White in the first match of the season against Abilene Christian and added goals against Texas State and UTEP. Her three goals are also tied for second-most in the WAC this season.
 
A Look at the Lobos
The Lobos (3-3-0) visit the City of Crosses riding a two game winning streak with a 2-1 win at Portland State and a 3-0 win at home against Northern Arizona. Last season, the Aggies fell 1-0 in Albuquerque after conceding a penalty kick in the 75^th minute. UNM also won a share of the  Mountain West conference championship last year, along with Boise State and Wyoming.
 
New Mexico is led by sophomore Alesia Garcia who has two goals this season to go with the seven she scored as a freshman. Leilani Baker has also scored two goals this season while Jadyn Edwards has added two assists.
 
Malia Vanisi has started the last four matches in goal for New Mexico. The redshirt sophomore boasts a 1.00 goals-against average and a .810 save percentage. She has made 17 saves on the season so far.
 
Scouting the Lumberjacks
The Lumberjacks currently hold a 2-3-1 record and are set to take on UNLV on Friday, Sept. 20. Last season in Flagstaff, the Aggies jumped out to a 2-0 lead before eventually falling 3-2 in overtime.
 
Junior Paige Maling and sophomore Madison Montgomery are tied for the team lead in goals (3) and points (6). Last season, Maling tied for the team lead in goals with three.
 
Returning in goal for the Lumberjacks is 2018 First-Team Big Sky honoree Taryn Benham. Last season, Benham posted a 0.63 goals-against average along with an .846 save percentage. Through six matches this season, Benham's numbers have dipped as she sits at a 1.45 goals-against average and a .667 save percentage.
 
Last Time Out
NM State hosted UTEP at the Soccer Athletic Complex for the Battle of I-25 on Thursday, Sept. 12. Shea O'Connor netted her third goal of the season on a PK in the 20^th minute to give the Aggies a 1-0 lead. New Mexico State's defense continued hold the Miners back until Jojo Ngongo scored in the 75^th minute to tie the match 1-1.
 
From there, neither side was able to connect and the match went into overtime. The first overtime saw the Aggies get off three shots but none proved to be the winner. In the second overtime, UTEP's Lauren Crenshaw put a shot on frame in the 107^th minute that ricocheted off an Aggie defender and into the net for a 2-1 Miner win.
 
Up Next
The Aggies hit the road for their final non-conference matches of the season. First, NM State visits South Dakota on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 3 p.m. (MT) before taking on South Dakota State on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 11 a.m.
 
For complete coverage of New Mexico State women's soccer, follow us on Twitter (@NMStateWSOC), Instagram (@NMStateWSOC) and like us on Facebook (NM State Women's Soccer).