In their fourth straight win, the New Mexico State women’s soccer defeated the Liberty University Flames 2-0 to sit at first place in Conference USA.
From struggling in non-conference play to being undefeated against Conference USA opponents, the Aggies are on a four-game winning streak. Their 4-0 record now ties them with the 2009 team for the best start in program history.
The Aggies were off to a quick offensive start after senior forward Loma McNeese fired two shots. After McNeese just slightly missed the first shot, she nailed the second but was defended by Liberty’s Ainsley Leja.
Liberty’s offense shortly gained momentum after preventing the Aggies from getting in scoring position. The Aggies retaliated after sophomore forward Ava Goodman got a shot off, but the ball bounced off the left woodwork.
Just two minutes after Liberty fired its first shot but the Aggies offense’ continued to apply force. With help from Bianca Chacon and Megan Ormson, junior Brooke Schultz nailed her fourth goal of the season to give the Aggies an early 1-0 lead.
The Aggies continued to overwhelm the Flames after senior Gianna Valenti ran through the Flames’ defense and launched a shot that but was defended by Liberty’s goalkeeper. The Aggies and Flames continued to trade shots but zero crossed the line.
With just 10 minutes left in the first half, both teams saw opportunities after two corner kicks but failed to convert them in goals. Aggie freshman forward Shila Rasoul’s shot bounced off the right woodwork. While Liberty redshirt freshman Sallie Garner’s shot deflected off the top of the crossbar.
The Aggies had a slow offensive start in the second half and were further affected by junior Mya Hammack’s yellow card. Liberty’s offense responded with three shots in less than 20 seconds but NMSU’s defense powered though and prevented the Flames from scoring.
The Aggies’ offense slowly started to pick up the pace and McNeese broke through to score the Aggies second goal of the game off an assist from junior Ariana Leamons to give the Aggies a 2-0 lead.
With Liberty down by two goals, the Flames continued to attack the post and forced a physical match. The Aggies defense maintained control but the offense struggled to connect resulting in missed shot from seniors Chloe Marr and Rachel DeRuby and sophomore Ivy Garner.
The Aggies still walked away with the win and ended the nation’s longest unbeaten streak. For the first time this season, the Flames gave more than one point in a contest while the Aggies ended their five-game shutout streak.
The Aggies will now travel to Jacksonville, Alabama to face off against Jacksonville State on Sunday, Oct.8 at 12 p.m. Coverage will be streamed on ESPN +.
