University of New Mexico’s Mackenna Havenor (right) dribbles as he is defended by Oregon State Sawyer Service (left) and Helena Brown (7) during the Lobos 3-0 loss on Sunday. (Adolphe Pierre-Louis / magazine)
When the New Mexico soccer team took to the field in the spring – especially at home – their energy was palpable.
Admittedly, that spark was missing on Sunday when the Lobos (1-2-0) lost their home opener 3-0 to Oregon State.
The Beavers were faster on the ball, faster in attack and bigger and stronger in defense.
“I don’t think we got out as excited as we needed to be,” said defense attorney Jaelyn Hendren. “I think that was one thing we were finally (season) really good at. We were really good at bringing in the energy at the beginning of the game. This is definitely a matter of trust that we can work on. It’s a simple solution. “
The Lobos won’t have much time to work on this solution as Washington visits another high-quality Pac-12 team in Albuquerque on Sunday.
“When you play against Pac-12 teams, you can expect them all to be hyperathletic,” said New Mexico coach Heather Dyche. “If you play what we want and are against really good teams, you have to be self-confident enough not to sacrifice your style.”
The Lobos bring back nine starters but started with two true freshmen, and several other college freshers saw significant action as Dyche juggled their line-up to create more possession and chances.
“You can see that,” she said. “We’re just not whole … we react more than anticipate. The only way to learn how to do it is to do it. It’s only a loss if tomorrow doesn’t get better. And I know that we will react correctly and that we will continue to improve. “
As one of the senior and veteran leaders, Hendren recognized the need for the older players to help the younger players prepare for the physical and mental rigors of college football.
“My job off the field and on and on is to encourage them,” she said. “To let them know that they are not alone. I think there is a lot for them to learn. It’s hard to get in as a newbie, that’s what we upperclassmen are for; teaching them things we have learned here for four years and encouraging them and teaching them the energy we bring to every game and I think they did a really good job adjusting and learning. “
Even though Jadyn Edwards almost struck New Mexico in the 12th minute and forced Beavers goalkeeper Bridgette Skiba to a nice save, Oregon State quickly countered (4-0-0) when Helena Brown beat a defender to the end line , turned and found Amber Jackson in the goalkeeper’s area to score a goal.
Aiden Brown then dribbled past two Lobos to set up a roaring shot from 22 yards in the 34th minute.
Minutes later, Lobo’s sophomore year almost linked Gaby Montoya to Edwards, which would have opened up a solid scoring opportunity, but the serve lasted long. And shortly before half-time, Edwards had another chance, but it was deflected over the network.
Now the Lobos will study the game tape and try to come out stronger against the Huskies.
“I think we can make a lot of it,” said Hendren. “We have to go back and see a movie and analyze every part of the game. I think we got a little bit insecure so I think we can definitely work on getting into the U-Dub game. “
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