It was a successful road trip for the Lobos, as they got a 0-0 draw against Wyoming and a 2-1 win against CSU. The results improved the Lobos to 3-0-1 on the road during conference play and making their conference record 4-1-1 with five matches left to play. This also improved their overall season record to 6-6-1 after starting the season 2-5-0. The Lobos have found their stride and it will be interesting to see how these last five matches play out. The Lobos are in 3rd place right now, two points behind SDSU and SJSU who are both 5-1-0, but the Lobos will play both sides at home during the five matches, so they will certainly have their opportunities to win the conference.
Wyoming Recap (0-0 draw):
Wyoming controlled the play, but they didn’t have Cassie Ulrich in goal. In the preview for the match, I highlighted the Lobos’ keeper as needing to be fantastic in goal for the Lobos to get a result and Ulrich was, having eight saves on the match including a penalty kick save with a couple minutes left in regulation. It was great to see the Lobos be able to get a result when they had their back against the wall for most of the match. These are the matches that show your heart and determination and help you win conference titles.
Notes from the Wyoming Match:
Shots: 16 to 7, Wyoming
Shots on Goal: 8 to 2, Wyoming
Saves: 8 to 2, Lobos
Corner Kicks: 9 to 2, Wyoming
Player of the Match: Cassie Ulrich
Colorado State Recap (2-1 win)
After getting the draw on Friday night against Wyoming, the Lobos headed to Fort Collins to take on the Rams Sunday afternoon. After not controlling the play on Friday, the Lobos did so on Sunday. That didn’t stop the Rams from being the first team to score in the match, however, as the Lobos were called for a foul at midfield in the 15th minute and Jessica Stauffer sent the free kick into the box to find the head of Hannah Gerdin for her fifth goal of the season. The CSU lead didn’t last for long, as just 59 seconds later the Lobos were able to find the equalizer when the they got a corner kick that was taken by Dylann O’Connor (3rd assist) which lead to a Lindsey Gruice header for her second goal of the season. The Lobos were finally able to find the game-winner in the 38th minute, when a foul was called on the Rams from about 25 yards out that allowed Quincy Slora to set up a free kick shot, which she sent in for her second goal of the season. Neither team was able to find another goal in the second half, ending the match in a 2-1 Lobos victory.
Notes from the CSU Match:
Shots: 19 to 12, Lobos
Shots on Goal: 8 to 5, Lobos
Saves: 6 to 4, CSU
Corner Kicks: 9 to 2, Lobos
Player of the Match: Quincy Slora
Upcoming Matches:
The Lobos return to Albuquerque and UNM Soccer Complex to host two key MW Conference matches this weekend, taking on 1st place SJSU on Friday night and 5th place Fresno State on Sunday afternoon. These matches are very important for the Lobos and their quest for the regular season conference title, so Lobo fans should try to find a way to make it out to the Complex this weekend and cheer on their Lobos.