PORTALES, N.M. – Eastern New Mexico Men's Soccer (2-2-3) closed out its non-conference schedule on Saturday evening, picking up a 2-0 win over Sul Ross State (4-3) at Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium.
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The visitors had the opening share of possession to start the match, with just one shot from Sul Ross State in the opening 30 minutes. However, shortly after Eastern New Mexico scored with their first shot on goal in the 31
st minute. After winning back possession,
Alexandre Meres played in
Pablo Nodar down the right winning, leaving the full-back one on one with the keeper. Nodar kept his cool and slotted it past the SRSU goalie to give ENMU a 1-0 lead.
In the second 45 minutes, Eastern established themselves with a few early shots then extended their lead on 66 minutes.
Arthur Macri made a weaving dribble from right to left, skipping past a handful of defenders, to get free just inside the 18-yard box. The winger sent his shot across goal, nestling into the bottom right corner and giving the Greyhounds a 2-0 advantage. ENMU managed the rest of the contest, only allowing one shot on goal in the second half, coming away with a 2-0 victory over Sul Ross State.
Catalin Nastuta managed a shutout in net, making four saves over the 90 minutes.
BEYOND THE BOXSCORE
- The Greyhounds and Lobos played each other for the first time in program history, with the Greyhounds now leading the all-time series 1-0.
- Macri and Nodar each scored their second goal of the season, while Meres dished out their first assist of the season.
- Alongside Nastuta, four Greyhounds played the full 90 minutes during the game. Rodrigo Velasco marshaled the midfield the entire match, while Kris McDonald, Nodar, and Ludwig Scherer held the defense together for the full 90 minutes.
- Scherer played their first game of the season for ENMU, while Nastuta earned their first shutout for the Greyhounds.
- ENMU Men's Soccer honored its six seniors before the start of the match: Caio Alves, Nick Huenig, Meres, Nastuta, Scherer, and Loris Tsiatsipy.
- The Greyhounds now enter the conference phase of its season, welcoming St. Mary's to begin conference play at home on Saturday, Oct. 5. Kickoff from Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium is slated for 1 p.m.