KENNESAW, Ga. – NM State battled until the final whistle on Thursday evening but came up just short in their first road Conference USA action of the season, falling 1-0 to Kennesaw State at Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium on Thursday night. The loss moves the Aggies to 1-1 in conference play.
The Aggies created an early chance through
Esme Arenas, and kept the pressure on throughout, finishing with 10 total shots and five corner kicks.
Kennesaw State broke the scoreless deadlock in the 43rd minute when Anabel Orozco converted a penalty kick to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.
At the break, NM State led in saves (3-1) and corner kicks (2-0), while trailing in shots (6-2).
Coming out of the locker room, the Aggies increased their attacking pressure, with
Filucca Daugaard testing KSU goalkeeper Charlee Bernal with a shot on target in the 51st minute before creating another chance moments later.
Arenas remained active in the attacking third, accounting for four shots on the evening, including multiple second-half opportunities as NM State searched for an equalizer.
The Aggies mounted one final push in the closing minutes, as
Marlee Cavitt forced a save in the 87th minute, and
Yuliana Negrete followed with another shot on goal less than a minute later. However, Kennesaw State was able to preserve the narrow lead and secure the victory.
Reigning Conference USA goalkeeper
Karolanne Lafortune anchored the Aggie defense with four saves while helping keep NM State within striking distance throughout the match.
Filucca Daugaard finished with three shots, including one on target – a new career high. NM State held an 8-6 advantage in second-half shots, while earning five corner kicks compared to just one for Kennesaw State. NM State finished with 10 total shots, their third consecutive with at least 10 attacking attempts on the year.
UP NEXT
The Aggies return home to Las Cruces for their next Conference USA matchup, welcoming Liberty to the NM State Soccer Complex. Kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 4, at 1 p.m., with the match live streamed on ESPN+ and live stats available at nmstatesports.com.
For complete coverage of NM State Soccer, visit
NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics - and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateWSOC), Instagram (@NMStateWSOC), and like us on Facebook (NMStateWSOC).
##NM State##
