ENMU men's soccer team wins conference opener

PORTALES — Thanks to late heroics, Eastern New Mexico University’s men’s soccer team is off to a 1-0 start in Heartland Conference play.

Nicolai Alstrom scored what turned out to be the game-winner off a free kick from 29 yards out with less than seven minutes to go, as the Greyhounds edged Oklahoma Christian 3-2 Thursday night at Greyhound Stadium.

The goal saved the Greyhounds (2-2-1, 1-0) overtime after the visiting Eagles (2-2, 0-1) struck twice in the second half to knot things up. Landon Pope put home a centering pass from a free kick nearly 15 minutes into the second half, and Garrett Blume headed in a pass with 14 minutes left.

The Greyhounds had pushed out to a 2-0 lead just 23:24 into the match, which Ignacio Dicun and Christopher Mesquita scoring.

Eastern New Mexico was outshot on the day, 17-14 overall and 10-7 on goal, in what was a physical match. Three players for each side were issued yellow cards.

Yuri Nascimineto saved six of the eight shots on goal he faced for ENMU.

The Greyhounds continue their homestand over the next eight days, with Midwestern State Saturday at 1 p.m., St. Mary’s Thursday at 7 p.m. and Texas A&M International 1 p.m. Saturday.

The Eagles visit West Texas A&M Saturday.