After a 10-6-3 regular season that earned them the Conference USA regular season champion title, New Mexico State women’s soccer dominated offensively in a 2-0 victory over Sam Houston State University in the semifinals of the CUSA tournament.
The Aggies were off to quick offensive start when defender Mya Gonzales nailed a shot to the bottom right of the goal but was blocked by SHSU goalkeeper Savannah Hall. As the Aggies continued to rush up field to create another scoring opportunity, midfielder Gianna Valenti fired the Aggies’ second shot but was off target.
The Aggies’ offense continued their dominant start to the match as forward Loma McNeese sent a shot at the post, but the ball sailed over the crossbar.
After the three shots taken by the Aggies, the Bearkats offense started to retaliate and fired their second shot on target, but the play was saved by goalkeeper Valery Guha.
Following a series of plays and fouls, the Bearkats picked up the first yellow card of the match when Andrea Nugent committed a hard foul, but the Aggies were unable to project any following shots on target. Despite the 0-0 tie, the Aggies headed into the half outshooting the Bearkats 8-4.
The second half kicked off with an early foul called on NMSU midfielder Mya Hammack for a yellow card just 23 seconds in. With the Bearkats unable to convert the free kick, both sides were still searching for their first goal.
Despite the foul, the Aggies kept the momentum on their side and, after a pass from McNeese, Valenti sent a shot to the back of the net to put the Aggies on the board — this served as the first goal between the two sides since their 0-0 matchup last season.
The Bearkats refused to let up and continued to push the ball down the field to get into scoring position. SHSU’s Pam Murray attempted to tie the game and took two shots, but the quick hands of Guha kept the ball from entering the goal.
With the match getting close to the end and the Aggies and Bearkats fighting for a win, both teams continued to attack offensively.
In the last two minutes of the match, after a pass from sophomore Meredith Scott, Valenti successfully fired her second goal of the match to secure the Aggies 2-0 victory over the Bearkats.
After the match, Valenti spoke about her two-goal performance.
“We talk about it all the time,” Valenti said. “Play for Thalia Chaverria, and I play for T all the time. So, two goals for T, that’s what I’m here for.”
The Aggies will now play the Liberty Flames for the conference title Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023. The match will be streamed on ESPN+.
