ThunderWolves soccer off to a victorious start

Both ThunderWolves soccer squads came away with road wins Sunday, their first wins of the season, notching shutouts against two tough opponents.

The men’s soccer team came away with a 1-0 victory in a defensive struggle against St. Mary’s (Tex.) on the Eastern New Mexico campus in Portales, N.M. Junior college transfer Uda Obotette (Southwestern Oregon CC) recorded the game’s only goal on an indirect free kick in the game’s 57th minute, allowing the ThunderWolves to focus on ratcheting up the defense and hold on for the win. Senior keeper Arturo Moranchel (Aurora, Colo.; Western Nebraska CC) benefited from strong defense in front of the goal, only having to make four saves on the way to recording his fourth career shutout.

The women took the life out of the host of their weekend tournament, Southwestern Oklahoma State, upending them by an impressive 4-0 score. Senior Robin Hayes (Aurora, Colo.; Rangeview HS) and Erica Warmack (Pueblo, Colo.; Centennial HS) each scored two goals while the defense, led by senior keeper Chrissy Mandarich (Pueblo, Colo., South HS) and an impressive stable of defenders, kept SWOSU from having many legitimate scoring chances. The ThunderWolves’ defenders, consisting of Cassie Thimm, Janel Barnes, Kiley Draper, Holly Garcia and Ashleigh Loucks, were able to deflect and distract many of of the 13 shots that SWOSU uncorked, allowing only three shots on goal.

“This was the best game of the year so far for many of our players, especially our defenders,” coach Dave Morris said. “It was good for us to see our new system work against a team that is a very decent opponent.”
The win allows the women’s soccer team (1-2) to head into their first league game Wednesday at New Mexico Highlands on a winning note.
“It was really nice to come back from Friday’s [2-0 loss to West Texas A&M] with a win,” Morris said, “and it’s especially nice to go into conference play after coming off a win.”

The men (1-2) will also begin their league schedule Wednesday, heading to Golden to take on Colorado School of Mines.

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