The New Mexico State women’s soccer team managed to avoid defeat thanks to some late-game magic in the form of two clutch goals by Aileen Galicia and settled for a 2-2 tie against California State University Bakersfield in their Western Athletic Conference opener Friday afternoon at the NMSU Soccer Complex.

Galicia’s first goal came at the 81’ mark off of a Jody Hernandez assist, giving the Aggies their first sign of life in the game. Devin Hart would set the Galicia up for the equalizer with just two minutes left in regulation, forcing overtime and consequentially saving the Aggies from starting WAC play with a loss.

“Aileen’s just a workhorse” head coach Freddy Delgado said. “She has a very good natural ability but she has that little piece inside of her where she finds that extra at the most opportune times.” 

NMSU (6-6-2) did not get off to a great start, with CSU Bakersfield’s Amina Settles scoring the first goal of the game in the first minute of regulation, forcing Coach Delgado’s squad to play from behind for a majority of the game. CSUB added to their lead with Jordan Martinez’s goal coming just minutes into the second half.

“We weren’t mentally prepared and we dug ourselves a hole allowing a goal in the first minute of play. We have to come out at 100 percent at the start of the whistle” Delgado said about the teams start to the game. “Our girls kept plugging away though… once we found our rhythm, we could feel it. I’m really proud of the effort we gave.”

With the exception of that early goal, the Aggies played a solid first half, recording more saves than and outshooting CSUB (5-7-1) after one period of play. CSUB ramped up the aggressiveness in the second half, nearly doubling NMSU’s total shots on goal for the game and earning more than twice as many corner kicks as the Aggies. Goalkeeper Dmitri Fong held her own, however, recording nine saves for the game and shutting out the Roadrunners in overtime despite their six shots in the 20 sudden-death minutes.

NMSU entered the game tied for the best winning percentage in the conference at .500. Earning this tie keeps them there and saves a point in the ever important conference play.

Looking forward, the Aggies take on Grand Canyon University this Sunday at 1 P.M. in their last home game before they embark on a three-game road stint.

Throughout the weekend, the NMSU women’s soccer team is raising funds to help the victims affected by hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, a disaster that has hit home for Sophomore midfielder Adriana “Tuti” Tirado, who is from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Donations can be made at the gate during the game this Sunday or can be done directly at www.unidosporpuertorico.com.