RUSTON – Louisiana Tech held a one-goal lead going into the second half, but New Mexico State netted two goals in the final 15 minutes to come out on top, 2-1, on Sunday afternoon at Robert Mack Caruthers Field.
 
LA Tech (2-9-5, 0-6-2 CUSA) played stellar defense in the first half, allowing only one shot by NM State (10-5-2, 5-2-1 CUSA).  And on offense, the Bulldogs capitalized on a free kick to go up 1-0 at the 18-minute mark.
 
Senior Tomoyo Kuroyanagi sent the ball into the box where he was deflected by two Aggie defender before finding the foot of Kyra Taylor.  The sophomore planted the one-touch finish into the low left corner for the goal.
 
The one-goal lead lasted all the way up to the 75th minute when NM State equalized with Loma McNeese scoring off a tough angle on the right side from 20 yards out.
 
The match seemed destined by a draw, but the Aggies took the lead in the 88th minute.  Senior Sarah Melen was able to make a diving save on a shot attempt, but the rebound was put in by Milana Eyrich.
 
LA Tech had a 16-11 shot advantage in the match and a 7-3 corner kick advantage.  Taylor had a team-high four shots while seniors Kalli Matlock, Tal Faingezicht, and Kuroyanagi combined for seven shots.
 
The senior Melen registered five saves in the loss.
 
QUOTABLES
Head coach Steve Voltz
 
"When you are a senior, you want to leave your home field for the last time with your best performance so far.  We certainly did that today.  It was an outstanding effort by our team.  It is just a result that is gutting.  The effort that we played with is not reflected in the score.  I am proud of this senior class, what they have accomplished.  They represented the program, the University, and themselves with class.  We are going to miss them.  We have one more opportunity at Middle Tennessee before getting ready for the next season."
 
UP NEXT
LA Tech will close out the regular season on Friday, Nov. 1 at Middle Tennessee.  The match is set for 7 p.m. CT and will be streamed on ESPN+.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
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