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McKenna Ford

Women's soccer wraps up nonconference slate versus WTAMU

9/20/2024 3:00:00 PM

By: Angela Roberts, Associate AD-Communications
DURANGO, Colo. – Skyhawks women's soccer wraps up their nonconference schedule on Sunday with the third trip to Texas in as many weeks, facing West Texas A&M in another South Central Region showdown.

Last Time Out
Last week was a wild one for Fort Lewis. The team played to a closely contested 2-1 loss against (RV) Midwestern State on Thursday and earned an incredible 2-1 comeback win over UT Permian Basin on Sunday.

In the Skyhawks' first loss of the season, the Mustangs carried a 2-0 lead into the game's final third. Sophomore Ashlyn Salas trimmed the lead with her second goal of the season, assisted by junior Josie Coulter and sophomore Amber Otts, in the 69th minute. Fort Lewis had several opportunities down the stretch to net the equalizer, but Midwestern stayed tough until the horn sounded. All in all, Fort Lewis outshot the Mustangs 26-17 with a 9-6 edge in shots on goal. Fort Lewis drew a season-high eight corners versus two for Midwestern State. The Mustangs were called offside twice, including a call that wiped a goal off the board.

Sunday's match seemed to be trending in the same direction with UT Permian Basin holding a one-goal advantage into the final five minutes. Sophomore Haley Stafford was the first to provide the late-game magic with the tying goal in the 87th minute. Salas assisted her on a cross from the corner. Fort Lewis pressed on, and junior Anna Tucker took advantage of a pass from sophomore Ann Spence to belt her first career goal from 18 yards out with 15 seconds on the clock. The Falcons outshot the Skyhawks 13-6 for the match, but the teams were even with four shots on goal apiece. UTPB was called for 10 fouls versus three for Fort Lewis.

Scouting West Texas A&M
The Buffs are 2-1 this season with wins over Western Colorado (4-2) and Adams State (1-0). They fell to then No. 6-ranked Mines on Sunday by a final score of 5-0.  West Texas is coming off a tough 1-10-6 season in 2023 but is already showing promise with two early wins.

As a team, the Buffs are averaging 1.67 goals per game versus 2.33 from their opponents. They total 12 shots per game and had compiled five assists. Madison Stokes, a graduate transfer from Angelo State, leads the team in points with one goal and three assists. Reagan Matacale and Avery Putnam each have two goals this season. Reagan Heelan has played every minute at goalkeeper and holds a .632 saves percentage with 12 saves.

Fort Lewis is 2-10 all-time against West Texas A&M with identical 1-5 records at home and on the road. The Skyhawks were victorious in last year's meeting on Dirks Field. Meraz-Fishbein was responsible for the second goal on a penalty kick opportunity. The Skyhawks outshot the Buffs 24-4 with a 12-2 margin in shots on goal.

Inside the Numbers
Fort Lewis is averaging 1.75 goals per game while holding its opponents to 1 per game. They average 18 shots per game compared to 11 on the other side. The team has seven goals from six different players to go along with three assists. Salas leads the team with two goals and an assist while Coulter leads the team with two assists. Senior Gabi Meraz-Fishbein and Tucker each have one game-winner. Junior Rachel Peebles at 337 minutes, followed by Meraz-Fishbein and Salas who have over 300 minutes. Bravin and Rosenbaum have combined for 15 saves and a saves percentage of .789.

Around the RMAC
The league has two teams ranked in the latest version of the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 poll. Colorado School of Mines leads the way with a No. 3 ranking—jumping three spots after an unbeaten weekend. Colorado Mesa moved up four spots to No. 14 with a 2-0-1 record.

Mines and Mesa take up the top two spots in the conference rankings, followed by Fort Lewis in third with a 2-1-1 record. New Mexico Highlands (2-1-1) and MSU Denver (2-1-1) round out the top five.

In the conference statistical rankings, Fort Lewis sits 2nd in shots per game (18), 4th in shots on goal/game (7.25), 4th in goals/game (1.75), 3rd in assists/game (1.75), and 4th in goals allowed/game (1.00).
 
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