The University of New Mexico women’s soccer team was coming off a tough week, with a draw and a loss, but bounced back this week getting back in the win column on Thursday, Oct. 23, when the team faced the University of Wyoming Cowgirls during Senior Night, handing the Cowgirls a shutout loss, winning 1-0.
Two seniors were honored at the game: forwards Alejandra Puerto and Mercedes Morris were the focus of the senior celebration. Puerto was able to put the Lobos on top early in the game, as she connected with the net not even five minutes into the match.
The Lobos were put into a corner and forced to play defense as the Cowgirls continued the streak of aggressive offense from Mountain West opponents. Wyoming outshot the Lobos 19-5, continuing a three-game streak where the Lobos have been outshot by their opponents. The margin wasn’t much better when it came to shots on the goal itself, as the Lobos lost that battle 6-2.
Though this streak is not ideal, it has come with one upside: the defense that Lobo goalkeeper Alyson Campbell has been able to put on. Campbell once again provided the Lobos with a shutout, providing six saves that kept Wyoming struggling the whole night to find some offensive momentum.
UNM has continued to provide a strict defensive effort that left its opponents nearly unable to answer the pressure, especially when the Lobos faced offensive struggles.
The Lobos then drew against the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Lady Rebels, 2-2 on Sunday, Oct. 26. But the Lobos broke their streak of getting outshot, having 14 shots — nine of which were on goal — compared to the Rebels seven total.
UNM also clinched a playoff berth to the Mountain West Conference Tournament that will be hosted in Boise, Idaho.
The Lobos will finish off conference play on the road as they face San Diego State on Thursday, Oct. 30.
Wyatt S. Padilla is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @wyattspadilla
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