PORTALES, N.M. Western Colorado scored the opening goal for the second consecutive game on its season-opening road trip, but this time the host Greyhounds from Eastern New Mexico rallied with a pair of goals to steal a 2-1 non-conference victory Saturday afternoon.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Eastern N.M. def. Western, 2-1
Records: Western 1-1, ENMU 1-0-1
Location: Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium, Portales, N.M.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Eastern pressured early, getting off the game's initial few shots but Western flipped the field across the 10-minute mark of the opening half.
- Jordan Welsh put a shot on goal that was saved by Greyhounds goalkeeper Aja Gonzalez early in the 12th minute and in the next minute during a scramble in the box, Eastern committed a foul that granted the Mountaineers a penalty kick.
- Adah Minikel-Lacocque placed the ball at the PK marker and hammered a shot into the top, right corner to lift Western in front.
- Eastern answered swiftly, though, driving right down the pitch, scoring the equalizer just 26 seconds later.
- The Mountaineers worked to respond, registering the next seven shots in the game until the Greyhounds were finally able to escape the ongoing pressure and get their attack back in gear.
- They got one shot off that was blocked in the 40th minute but an opportunity in the 42nd that provided their first lead on a goal by Addison Garver that would prove to be the game-winner.
- Western would out shoot the Greyhounds in both the scoreless second half, 9-8, and overall, 18-13, but Eastern's Gonzalez would finish with a game-high eight saves that helped preserve its narrow lead through to the final horn.
TURF NOTES
- Welsh peppered the Eastern frame, racking up a game-best six shots, five of which were on goal.
- Gonzalez earned the win for the Greyhounds with her efforts between the pipes over 90 minutes of action.
- Presley Glass started the game in goal for Western and came up with five saves while surrendering both Eastern markers. Ashlyn Fitzpatrick took over to start the second half and the Mountaineer defense gave her an easy 45 minutes, keeping the Greyhounds from getting a single shot on frame.
UP NEXT
Western hosts its home opener Thu., Sept. 3 at Katy O. Rady Field where it will take on Angelo State (Texas) University in a non-conference game at 11 a.m.
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