Hounds Edged by #5 West Texas A&M Amid Inclement Weather Conditions

Courtesy: Eastern New Mexico University

Release: 10/28/2009

Box Score

Courtesy: Stephanie Stewart, The Chase

Emerson Rodrigues scored for ENMU against #5 West Texas

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

PORTALES, N.M.— Junior forward Emerson Rodrigues (Natal, RN, Brazil/Colegio Objectivo Portigar) tallied the 21st goal of his career 37:47 into the contest to give the Eastern New Mexico University men’s soccer team (10-5-2; LSC 1-4), but fifth ranked West Texas A&M (13-1-2; LSC 3-0-2) scored twice in less than four minutes, to hand the Hounds a 2-1 defeat, amid cold and rainy conditions in Wednesday’s Lone Star Conference match at the ENMU Soccer Field.

Earlier on, the contest was a defensive struggle, with the teams battling the elements in search of a scoring opportunity, but Kal Herbert (Fr., MF., Willaston, England/Neston High School) launched a through ball to Rodrigues, who lofted a slow bouncer over WTAMU’s Sebastian Furness, who was out of position and the ball drifted into the net for a 1-0 ENMU lead. The goal was just the fourth surrendered by Furness in 1183:53 of play this season. With 15 minutes left in the half, only a diving Alistair Caldwell (Fr., GK, Kilmarnock, Scotland/Grange Academy) on a free kick prevented the game from being tied. West Texas A&M enjoyed a 7-4 edge in shots during the period, although Eastern held a 3-1 advantage in shots on goal.

The second half saw a similar effect from the weather on scoring opportunities, but WT’s Nick Neilsen netted the equalizer on a penalty kick with 25:02 left in the game after an ENMU defender was called for a foul in the box. 3:24 later, Aaron Thorton tallied the game-winning goal after taking a through pass from Abel Olivas.

West Texas A&M held a 9-2 edge in corner kicks and a 19-9 advantage in overall shots. There were 32 total fouls in the game, including eight yellow cards, with six going to the Greyhounds and two to the Buffaloes. Caldwell and Furness each had two saves in net for their respective teams.

The Eastern New Mexico University men’s soccer team will hit the road to play St. Mary’s University on Saturday. Match time is scheduled for 11 a.m. MST.