ST. GEORGE, UTAH – An own goal by Dixie State just 51 seconds into the first overtime period handed #17 Eastern New Mexico their third straight win by a final score of 2-1.
The Hound’s win pushes their record to 3-0 to start the 2019 campaign, the best start to a season in the program’s history. An Eastern New Mexico cross right in front of the opposing goal bounced off a Dixie State defender and into the net to negate a second half goal for the Trailblazers that forced overtime with the score tied at 1-1.
Sophomore Joe Conway began a dominate first half performance by the Hounds with a goal just over five minutes into the contest. Conway broke away from the defense thanks to a pass from junior Charlie Hackshall and beat the keeper in a one-on-one match-up to give the Hounds the early 1-0 advantage.
The Greyhounds would go on to maintain solid control of the match throughout the first half, out-shooting Dixie State six-to-three in the first 45 minutes. Three of those shots found their way on goal to force immediate action by the Trailblazers’ keeper.
Dixie State would put together a much better second half to force overtime after an early second half goal in the 47th minute. Eastern New Mexico would need a stellar effort from keeper Ross Dalton, who finished the match with five saves to force overtime after the conclusion of 90 minutes play.
Eastern came out firing and forced the timely mistake by Dixie State to finish off their third consecutive win to start the season, the best start to a season in school history.
Junior Lucas Vaz managed to record four shots throughout the match to lead the offensive attack for the Greyhounds. Dixie State’s strong second half pushed the shot count to their favor, 12-11, but the Greyhounds proved much more accurate with nine of their 11 shots for the game on target.
Eastern New Mexico will look to continue their hot start to the season on Sunday morning against Westminster University in St. George, Utah.
