by Kenn Rodriguez
Daily Lobo
The UNM women's soccer team continued its post-season run today by upsetting the second-seeded University of Utah 1-0 at the Mountain West Conference Championship tournament in Provo, Utah.
"It was all heart and soul," Lobo head coach Kit Vela said. "Utah is a heck of a team. They had their opportunities for sure, but our kids never got rattled or disgruntled when they missed opportunities."
UNM forward Marte Dolva earned the win with her second consecutive game-winner of the tournament. The junior scored in the 70th minute after junior midfielder Abbie Partch intercepted an errant clearance by the Ute defense. Partch passed the ball to Dolva who streaked toward the goal then lofted a shot past Utah goalkeeper Courtney Hills-McBeth, who had strayed out of the goal box.
"(The goal) was in slow motion for us," Vela said. "Marte picked her head up, saw the keeper was out and hit it."
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The third-seeded Lobos managed the victory despite being out-shot 15 to six. The game was the second straight shutout for UNM goalkeeper Kristen Winters. Playing behind a bend-but-don't-break defensive effort, the sophomore made six saves in the win - including two game-savers late in the game.
"They were outstanding both days," Vela said. "They just took whatever Utah threw at them. It's like they were defending for their lives."
Vela said Utah had opportunities to score but was unable to finish. She said the Lobos gave the same effort they did in their 0-0 overtime draw with the Utes on Oct. 20. Despite having superior depth, Utah was unable to dominate the game except for a few minutes at a time.
UNM will play Brigham Young University in Saturday's MWC Championship game. The top-seeded Cougars destroyed fourth-seeded San Diego State University 9-2 Thursday night in the second semifinal. BYU beat UNM 3-2 Oct. 17 in Albuquerque. The championship match starts at noon on BYU's South Field.
