New Mexico State soccer powered by strong start against in-state rival New Mexico

New Mexico State soccer (1-0-1) defeated in-state rival New Mexico (0-1-0) 3-1 at home on Sunday afternoon for its first win of the season. The victory was the Aggies' second win over the Lobos in program history.

NM State started quickly and never looked back. The Aggies led the Lobos 3-0 after the first 15 minutes thanks to goals from junior midfielder Meredith Scott, senior defender Ariana Lemons and sophomore forward Shila Rasoul. Lemons and graduate forward Loma McNeese earned assists on two of the goals.

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UNM pulled one back off a goal from Natalie DaGagne in the 28th minute, but that's all the Lobos would get. UNM ended the match with more shots than NM State at 8-6, but it wouldn't matter as the latter prevailed. Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Valerie Guha saved the only other shot on goal for the Lobos in the 48th minute.

Next, the Aggies take on their second Big Ten opponent of the season in Oregon (2-0) at home at 6 p.m. Thursday.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: New Mexico State soccer powered by strong start against in-state rival New Mexico