COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The University of Colorado Colorado Springs women's soccer team defeated New Mexico Highlands University 3-2 inside Mountain Lion Stadium on Thursday evening, effectively securing a spot in the post-season playoffs.
INSIDE THE MATCH-UP
Final: UCCS 3, NMHU 2
Records: UCCS (11-2-2, 7-1-1 RMAC), New Mexico Highlands (1-11-0, 0-8-0 RMAC)
Facility: Mountain Lion Stadium | Colorado Springs, Colo.
All-Time Series: Thursday afternoon's matchup against the Cowgirls was the 22nd in UCCS program history. The last time the NMHU scored against the Mountain Lions was in 2019. UCCS is now 16-6-0 in the series and extended their win streak to 11 consecutive games against the Cowgirls.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- UCCS started the match off strong by scoring a goal just two minutes after kickoff. After Emily Aguilar crossed a beautiful ball from the right side of the field, Mikaela Carlson crashed the back post and buried the ball into the lower left corner of the net.
- In the 25th minute, NMHU tied up the score with a goal from Kate Rayner, assisted by Ninon Rigal.
- Just three minutes later, UCCS trailed the Cowgirls for the first time since 2014. Nella Vaquerano floated a corner kick from the left side of the field, connecting with Isavel Glenn for a header goal.
- Abby Stassi found the back of the net with a stunning shot towards the lower left corner of the goal, tying up the match 2-2 in the 33rd minute.
- In a last-minute attempt to get a goal ahead before halftime, Elise Broberg ripped a shot from the right side of the box but managed to ricochet off the crossbar. Viktoria Valdimarsdottir followed up the rebound, but missed just off to the right of the net as well.
- After the ball chaotically bounced around the box for nearly 30 seconds, Mattea Morris put the Mountain Lions a goal ahead in the 54th minute by smashing the ball into the top left corner of the net for her first goal of the season.
- In the 75th minute, UCCS gained a corner kick off a handball foul in the Cowgirl's box. Taylynn Levi sent the ball flying towards the top left corner, but the shot was saved by NMHU's goalkeeper and the match continued on with the Mountain Lions ahead by a single goal.
STATS FROM THE GAME
- The Mountain Lions outshot the Cowgirls 31-4. Fifteen UCCS shots landed on frame compared to NMHU's three. The Cowgirl's goalkeeper logged 12 saves during the match.
- Three different Mountain Lions scored a goal: Abby Stassi, Mikaela Carlson, and Mattea Morris. Taylynn Levi had a single assist while Emily Aguilar recorded two.
- Goalkeeper Nylah Mirshafiei logged the entire 90 minutes and faced four shots, logging one save in the match due to a dominant Mountain Lion defensive line.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- With the win over NMHU and a conference record of 7-1-1, the Mountain Lions currently sit in the No. 3 spot within the RMAC standings.
- UCCS leads in goal-scoring, having put a total of 37 goals in the back of the net this season. They also take first place in the shots column (262) and total number of assists (30).
- By logging 11 total goals scored this season, Abby Stassi leads the RMAC in this category while Taylynn Levi and Elise Broberg tie for the No. 1 spot in total number of assists (6).
UP NEXT
- UCCS will take on Adams State University at 12 p.m. on Sunday, October 26 inside Mountain Lion Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Two Mountain Lion seniors, Emily Aguilar and Jessica Rockwell, will be recognized and celebrated prior to this match's kickoff.
SOCIAL
X – @GoMountainLions
Instagram – @gomountainlions
Facebook – /GoMountainLions
For everything UCCS Athletics, follow the Mountain Lions on social media and stay tuned to gomountainlions.com. As a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs competes in 14 varsity sports in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics.
