Box Score ODESSA, Texas – The New Mexico Highlands soccer team is off to a quick start after netting four goals in the second half en route to a 4-0 win over Texas - Permian Basin in the season opener for both teams.
"Give credit to Permian Basin," head coach
Justin Wagar said. "They shut us down in the first half and did what they needed to do. But in the second half, we came out composed, settled down and played like we are capable by moving the ball and attacking.
"It was a great win," Wagar added.
It did not take Highlands long to respond after a scoreless first half. Junior
Jasmine Waugaman opened up the scoring in the 47th minute on a loose ball from the left side of the box after passes from sophomore
Danielle Acuna and freshman
Ashley McBee. Leading scorer for the Cowgirls in 2013, sophomore
Anyssa Dagnino, got into the act a minute later on a through ball from Waugaman and junior
Crystal Schuder.
Freshmen
Megan Finney and
Zoey Hooper entered the fray in the 77th and 81st minute, respectively, for the final tallies.
The Cowgirls easily outshot the Falcons 25-8, including 16-3 in shots on target. Waugaman paced Highlands with three points (a goal and an assist) while freshman
Sarah Beecher tallied two saves in 83 minutes, winning her first career start in goal.
Highlands tallied 11 shots, seven of which were on target, but could not find the back of the net in the first half. The Cowgirls missed a penalty kick while freshman
Hannah Loftus hit the post on a shot in the 39th minute.
It was the biggest win on the pitch for the Cowgirls since Oct. 4, 2011, when Highlands knocked of Texas – Permian Basin 9-1. It was the biggest season-opening win for Highlands under head coach
Justin Wagar.
The soccer team returns to action Sunday (Sept. 7) when it takes on Angelo State for the third-consecutive season. Angelo State opened its 2014 campaign with a 4-2 win against Adams State. However, the Grizzlies did outscore the home team 2-1 in the second half.
