Fort Lewis College gave a Division I opponent all it could handle for nearly 75 minutes Monday.
The Skyhawks’ women’s soccer team opened the preseason with an exhibition at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. A late goal in the first half for FLC tied the game at 1, but the Lobos overpowered the Skyhawks the final 15 minutes to secure a 3-1 win.
It was a strong showing for the Skyhawks, who were in their first day of training for the upcoming season.
Several young players contributed on a team that lost only one senior from a year ago.
New Mexico went ahead in the 30th minute on a goal by Madisyn Olguin. She took a shot from inside the box after receiving a pass from Maddie Irwin, who finished with two assists.
But the Skyhawks answered right back with a goal from freshman Renee Terrell. She put a shot in the back of the net from close range on the right wing. The assist came from junior Jordan Hix, who is from Albuquerque.
Caitlyn Espinosa made three saves while facing five shots on goal in the first half. Her teammates helped her save one shot, but nobody could prevent Olguin’s blast.
The Skyhawks’ goal came on its only shot of the first half, while the Lobos dominated possession and attempted 14 shots.
The shooting onslaught continued in the second half, as the Lobos tallied 29 shots and 11 on goal for the game. FLC totaled only two shots and the one on goal from Terrell.
Claire Lynch took the ball off an FLC defender’s foot in the box in the 74th minute and put a shot to the far post past backup goalie Kodie Johnson for a goal.
Only 4 minutes later, Bailey Webster blasted a long shot from the far right wing that floated over Johnson’s head.
Johnson made four saves in the second half.
The Skyhawks will play one more exhibition at 1 p.m. Sunday at home at Dirks Field against Adams State. The next weekend, FLC will have its annual alumni game before it will open the season at 6 p.m. Sept. 3 at Midwestern State in a matchup against former head coach Damian Clarke.
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
