The New Mexico State Soccer team kicked off their 2023 season with a 2-1 road win against Portland State University. The Aggies owe their victory to Senior Loma McNeese who scored the final goal in the last few minutes of the game.
At the start of the game, NM State struggled to make an offensive appearance until their first attempt at the goal after 14 minutes of play. Then Senior Gia Valenti, using an assist from McNeese, successfully drove the ball in giving the Aggies their first lead of the game.
With seven minutes left in the first half, the Vikings responded with a shot from Sophomore Elle Frazier scoring their first goal and tying the game 1-1.
At the start of the second half, NMSU made three substitutions and increased their offensive presence. McNeese continued to battle for the Aggies and almost earned their second goal, but it was stopped by a jumping save by PSU’s goalkeeper. Then the Vikings retaliated by getting in scoring in position and saw an opportunity but was saved by freshman goalkeeper Valery Guha.
Following the shot and save, PSU junior midfielder Riley Larsen received a yellow card that led to a free shot for NMSU. The Aggies could not convert, and the score remained 1-1.
Neither team scored for most of the second half, shots were taken but were off the mark. However, on their final attempt, McNeese used a header off junior Bianca Chacon’s free kick to earn their last goal and first win of the season.
Preseason CUSA Offensive Player of the Year Loma McNeese now moves into second place in most game-winning goals (5) in program history moving her up to 36 career points. Bianca Chacon’s assist moves her into a four-way tie for fourth place in assists in program history.
Aggies Head Coach Rob Baarts enters his sixth season as head coach following a historic season that saw the Aggies win their first Western Athletic Conference title in their final year as members of the WAC.
After a season opening win, the Aggies look forward to traveling to Texas Tech on Sunday Aug. 20, at 6 p.m.
Although the Aggies are currently celebrating a win, the team is saddened by the loss of one of their teammates, Thalia Chaverria. Chaverria, a key member of the team, was ready to enter her third year at NMSU. The Aggies and the Las Cruces community will keep Chaverria in their thoughts as the season is now underway.
