LAS CRUCES, N.M. - Playing in difficult weather conditions, the Southern Utah University women's soccer team suffered their first conference defeat Friday evening, falling to New Mexico State on the road by a final score of 2-0. 

"In the first half, I thought they were the better team, although we had some very good moments," said SUU Head Coach Kai Edwards. "In the second half, I thought we really took it to them. It was unlucky to not get a goal, but to get a shutout in the second half against the first-place team in the league was good."

Both squads started off slow in the arduous conditions, amassing just three shots in the first 20 minutes of play. 27 minutes in, SUU Goalkeeper Megan Short made a difficult save off a New Mexico State shot; but, the rebound went right to NMSU forward Loma McNeese, who managed to put it in the back of the net, giving the Aggies a 1-0 lead early in the match.

Three minutes later, the Aggies found the back of the net again on a quality shot from Sydnee Johnson, as New Mexico State took a 2-0 advantage. 

The two squads went back-and-forth for the remainder of the first period in rainy conditions, tallying a combined five shots in the last 15 minutes; but, the Aggies maintained a 2-0 advantage heading into halftime.

The Thunderbirds picked up their intensity to begin the second period, as they began to dominate possession and take control of the match. 

Southern Utah recorded multiple shot attempts in the first 25 minutes of the second half, including a quality strike from Hailey Hamataka in the 63rd minute that sailed just high of the goal.

SUU continued the offensive pressure until the end of the match; but the team was unable to find the back of the net, as New Mexico State held on to earn the 2-0 victory over the Thunderbirds and remain atop the conference standings.

Notable Stats:

• Megan Short finished the contest with an impressive eight saves.

• Southern Utah maintained possession for 52 percent of the match.

• SUU earned nine corners to New Mexico State's five.

• Southern Utah totaled nine shots in the contest.

• The Thunderbirds spent 57 percent of their total possession time on the Aggies half of the field.

Up Next

The Thunderbirds have a quick turnaround, returning to Cedar City to host Sam Houston this Sunday, as they will look to bounce back and earn another victory over a WAC opponent. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. MT.

Kai Edwards Postgame Interview

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