The Lobos (0-1-0) fought hard in their first match on the road against a tough Texas Tech squad (1-0-0) before falling 2-1. It was a great and encouraging opener for the Lobos, as with the exception of the first 20 minutes of second half, the Lobos played on even terms with the Red Raiders. After the Red Raiders scored their second goal so quickly after their first, it wouldn’t have surprised me if the final score was 4-0. However, the Lobos rallied to outplay the Red Raiders for the last 20+ minutes.

Game Stats:

Final Score: Texas Tech 2, New Mexico 1

Goals: Jordie Harr, Texas Tech (2) 58:16 and 64:03; Maddie Irwin, New Mexico (1) 69:08

Quick Stats:

		First Half	Second Half	Total
Shots	Lobos	4	3	7 (3 on goal)
	Red Raiders	7	10	17 (8 on goal)
Saves	Lobos	3	3	6
	Red Raiders	1	1	2
Corner Kicks	Lobos	0	1	1
	Red Raiders	1	3	4

 

Scattered Thoughts:

• After some uncertainty in the preseason as to who was going to get the nod as the starting keeper, Tayler Hammack appears to have won the job. She played well for the full 90 minutes, and the two goals allowed were goals that no one could have done anything to stop. I expect her to get the next start and another opportunity to secure her spot in the starting 11.
• Maddie Irwin played well in the opener, scoring a great goal to make it 2-1 in the 70^th This was the sort of thing I was hoping to see from the senior in these early games and she will continue to be a key factor in the Lobos attack this season.
• It looks like the Lobos will be dangerous on throw-ins in the last 18 of the field this season, which adds a great attack and doesn’t allow the opponents backline to rest.
• The Lobo defense played well and limited the Red Raiders to only a handful of decent opportunities. In fact, the two goals they did allow didn’t worry me at all. The first goal allowed was on a brilliant free kick and the second was off a jumbled mess in the box. The Lobo backline will need to do it again this weekend, though, as they have a big test against nationally-ranked Cal.
• Lobos will need to find a way to keep the level of play consistent for the whole match, as the little drop in play gave Texas Tech confidence and opportunities that allowed them their two goals in rapid succession. If they can iron out these sorts of lapses, they could have a very strong season.

Up Next:

The Lobos head to the Bay Area to take on a great soccer program in Cal-Berkeley this Friday afternoon. After that, they will conclude the trip with a visit to Stockton on Sunday to take on Pacific.