Match Four

NM State (1-2-1, 0-0 WAC) vs. UTEP (1-4-0, 0-0 CUSA)

Thursday, Sep. 1 | 7:00 p.m. MT | NM State Soccer Complex | Las Cruces, N.M.

Final: NM State 3, UTEP 0

- Box Score -

Las Cruces, N.M. -  The NM State Soccer Complex was the place to be Thursday night. That's where the battle of I-10 between the NM State and UTEP was taking place.  The weather conditions couldn't have been more perfect - 79 degrees was the temperature at kickoff, and it cooled to a chill 72 degrees by games end. 

This was a big game for both programs as they both come into the match with losing records. UTEP did get a win their last time out after beating UNLV 1-0 last Sunday, but still have those three early losses to start the season. On the other end, NM State came into the match winless on the year, but with that being said, they played some stiff competition to start their season. Oregon, CSU Fullerton, and Texas A&M all have a combined record of 7-1-5 as of today. 

Prior to the game, Rob Baarts talked about how proud he was of his team in the early season, despite not having the results. 

"When we scheduled those three games, we talked about this could be make or break games for us… It could have been dangerous for the season and just mentally for our girls. The opposite happened - even though the results didn't go our way, we stepped up and competed with some of the best teams in the country."

Tonight's game got off to a quick start with a goal in the first four minutes by the Aggies. NM State had some really good scoring opportunities in the first half but was unable to capitalize on all the chances. 

Aggie Defense was stellar tonight only allowing two shots the entire game (one on goal). Anytime a Miner midfielder or forward got the ball, there was a Aggie defender right on top of them. 

After the game, Rob Baarts was asked about his defenses play:

"I'm upset because the goal is no shots. Our goal going into every game, it's not just UTEP It's every game we go into, the mentality is no shots… It's great that there was only two, but at the end of the day, we are always fighting for no shots on goal." 

Coach wasn't so pleased with his offensive performance pointing out some of the missed opportunities in the first half and throughout the game, but overall, a good win for the Aggies head coach and his team. 

Scoring Summary | Box Score

4' | It did not take long for the Aggies to get on the score board. Sofia Beerworth, who has been a part of that stellar Aggie defense, put a pass beautifully in the box for Xitlaly Hernandez who headed it over the Goal keeper for her first goal of the season, ninth of her career. 

78' | The Aggies had lots of scoring opportunities throughout the game, but it took them some time after the first score before they could add another. After missing what seemed to be another good scoring opportunity, Loma McNeese put the previous play past her and found Tania Tapia up field. Tapia had the defense beat and only needed the goalie to get past. She took her time and put a ball in the left corner of the net for the score. 

85' | After some substitutions, all the Aggies had to do was play keep away for the final five minutes, but they weren't ready to let the foot off the pedal just yet. Sofia Beerworth, who was credited with the assist on the first goal, found herself in some open space and fired a rocket to the same left side Tapia scored on, and recorded her first career goal.

Key Performances of Note 

• Xitlaly Hernandez recorded her first goal of the season and ninth goal of her career. 
• Sofia Beerworth recorded the first goal and assist of her career. 
• Aggie defense was on a mission to not let anything past them. As a unit they only allowed two shots the whole game, with only one shot being on goal. The last time the Aggies allowed less than five shots in a game came on February 20, 2021, against Chicago State. The Cougars also only had two shots with one on goal that night. 

Next Up

The Aggies will be back in action on Saturday, Sep. 3 at 7 p.m. to take on Portland State. This will be the second of five straight home matches for the Aggies. Next week NM State hosts Nevada for the final non-conference game of the regular season. Following that match, Utah Valley and Seattle U will make the journey down south and open conference play for the Aggies. 

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