ENMU soccer teams absorb setbacks

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — So far this season, it’s been “first goal wins” for the Eastern New Mexico University women’s soccer team.

After posting a season-opening 1-0 victory at Colorado State-Pueblo on Thursday, the Greyhounds lost by the same score to Colorado Christian on Sunday and settled for a split in their opening-weekend trip to Colorado.

Sophomore midfielder Parker Sweet pounced on a loose ball and knocked it in past ENMU junior keeper Samantha Jeffries in the 14th minute, and the goal held up.

The lone shot on goal for the Hounds came about 10 minutes in, when senior forward/midfielder Tori Galindo’s attempt was turned away by CCU senior goalkeeper Ashley Maguire.

The Cougars (1-1), who lost at home to Lone Star Conference member Angelo State 3-0 on Friday, outshot the Hounds 6-1 on goal and posted a 9-2 advantage in corner kicks.

The teams are now even all-time at 3-3. ENMU won the first three matches between 2004 and 2007 by a combined score of 10-4, while the Cougars have won the three meetings since 2009 by identical 1-0 counts.

ENMU’s next outing is on Sunday in a 1 p.m. start at New Mexico Highlands.

Oklahoma Christian 4, ENMU men 2 (Saturday) — At Oklahoma City, the Eagles stunned the Hounds with four goals in the opening 12 1/2 minutes, including one in the first 22 seconds.

Freshman forward/midfielder Daniel Gutierrez scored the first and last goals and also had an assist for OC (2-0), which carried the four-goal margin well into the second half. ENMU (1-1), which also lost 4-2 at Rogers State on Thursday, struck for goals from freshmen Colin Urich and Sander Tonnessen in a two-minute span midway through the second half, but could get no closer.

It was the Eagles’ second consecutive win in the series after the Hounds won the first six matchups.

Next up for ENMU is a 6 p.m. (MST) clash on Saturday at Missouri S&T.