The Eastern New Mexico women’s soccer team battled their way to a 1-1 tie in the season opener against St. Mary’s.
The double overtime 1-1 draw had it’s share of exciting moments as both squads engaged in a physical style of play that kept the pace of the match high throughout. Sophomore Hayden Zuniga netted the equalizing goal at the 62nd minute to bring the score even at 1-1.
Keeper Taylor Jackson took over for injured starter Kirsten Lane at the 13:39 mark and made five of her eight total saves during the two final sudden death overtime periods. The Hounds appeared to score the winning goal at the 94:16 mark of the first overtime period, but the run was called offside and the goal over turned.
That controversial call came just minutes after a solid chance from freshman Anahi Hernandez was stopped by St. Mary’s keeper. Hernandez made a solid strike on a loose ball off a corner kick from senior Bailey Bosley, but a sliding save kept the winning shot from sliding by.
Junior Samantha Fabela led the Hounds with four shots on goal, two of which found their target, but were stopped by St. Mary’s keeper Cameron Koerner. Sophomore Morgan Zuniga was next on the squad with three total shots while Bosley totaled two.
Eastern outshot the Rattlers by a final total of 16-to-14, and noticeably created the stronger chances throughout the contest. The back line of defense held strong for the majority of the contest, and was bested only by a deep strike at the 28th minute that found the top of the net to put the Rattlers up 1-0.
The Hounds will hit the road for their next three contests with their first game of the road trip slated for a 3:30 p.m. start Sept. 5 in Las Vegas, N.M. against New Mexico Highlands.
