LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Dmitri Fong tied a career-high with 13 saves but the New Mexico State women's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to Battle of I-25 rival New Mexico on Friday at the Soccer Athletic complex.
 

🎥 | @RBaarts talks about @Dmeetch's impressive performance in the Battle of I-25.#AggieUp pic.twitter.com/NF9jOH9w8n

— NM State Soccer (@NMStateWSOC) September 21, 2019

The Lobos (4-3-0) brought the pressure early, testing Fong in the 6^th minute but she was there to make the stop. New Mexico continued to dominate the ball and push it into its offensive third, forcing saves in the 16^th, 20^th, and 27^th minute.
 
Then, Ely Gonzalez had the Aggies (1-4-2) first opportunity at a goal but her shot from distance went just over the crossbar in the 27^th minute. With the Lobos' attack gaining momentum, Fong continued to play well as the redshirt junior made two more saves in the 30^th and 31^st minutes. From there, both sides struggled to create for the rest of the half and the rivals were tied 0-0 at halftime.
 
Much like the first half, UNM pushed the ball early in the second half with a shot on goal in the 47^th minute that was again saved by Fong. The Albuquerque native added saves in the 49^th, 58^th, 59^th and 60^th minutes. Then, Corey Kizer almost gave the Aggies the lead in the 61^st minute but her shot from distance was stopped by a diving Malia Vanisi.
 
Following a save from Fong in the 62^nd minute, Alexa Barrera had an opportunity to put NM State ahead. However, her shot at the 63:57 mark was blocked by a Lobo defender before the ball bounced back to Barrera. The sophomore took another shot that appeared to be heading for the back of the net, but Vanisi recovered and made a diving stop right before the ball reached the goal line.
 
That sequence sparked the Lobos offense as they immediately went down and scored on the counter in the 65^th minute for a 1-0 Aggie deficit. Fong made another save in the 76^th minute to keep New Mexico State in the game, but the offense was unable to breakthrough for a 1-0 final in favor of New Mexico.
 
Fong was fantastic in goal as she stopped 13 shots, tying a career-high she set against SMU on Sept. 29, 2017.
 
The Aggies return to the pitch this Sunday, Sept. 22, at 1 p.m. as they host Northern Arizona. Sunday's match is bark at the park so bring your favorite pup and enjoy ice cream cones courtesy of Caliche's. Fans unable to attend can stream Sunday's match live on the WAC Digital Network.
 
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