LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The Aggies came back from a two-goal deficit to tie #23 USC, 2-2, in the season opener on Aug. 15, 2024. Kennedy Herrera and Meredith Scott secured the draw, with both goals coming in the final 14 minutes of the match.
 
USC took an early lead in their debut as members of the Big Ten conference, scoring a goal in the 20th minute by forward Maile Hayes. This was the lone goal scored in the first period of the match.
 
At the break, the Aggies and Lady Trojans were tied 3-3 on shots, while NM State held a 2-1 advantage in shots on goal and trialed 5-1 on corner kicks.
 
USC extended their lead to two goals in the second period on a goal by Maria Alagoa. With less than 20 minutes remaining, a wave of Aggies exited the game including Loma McNeese, Ariana Leamons, Brooke Schultz and Meredith Scott.
 
With 14' left to play Kennedy Herrera scored her first career goal in a scramble around the 18-yard box with assists from Blakley Edgar and Andrea Alvarenga. With less than a minute remaining, Sydnee Johnson found a streaking Milana Eyrich headed towards the goal, with the freshman taking a shot that USC goalkeeper knocked away, right into the path of junior forward Meredith Scott. Connecting with a left-footed strike, Scott secured her first goal of the season and second in the Crimson & White.
 
Maintaining composure, the Aggies defense held steady and put away a tie with #23 USC. This becomes the Aggies' best result against a ranked program.
 
"Keeping the energy up with the change just created opportunities to get an opportune goal," said Head Coach Rob Baarts on the adjustments he made in the final five minutes of the match.
 
The Aggies recorded eight shots on the night, including six shots on goal with no player recording more than one, while USC was held to seven shots with two on goal. NM State finished the night tied with the Lady Trojans in corner kicks (6-6) and led in fouls (12-4).
 
UP NEXT:
The Aggies will host UNM for the Battle of I-25 on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 1 p.m. MT at the NM State Soccer Athletic Complex. This becomes the first home game against the Lobos since the 2019 season. For complete coverage of NM State Women's Soccer, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateWSOC), Instagram (@nmstatewsoc) and like us on Facebook (NM State Women's Soccer)


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