Standefer’s Goal in OT Sends Zias Past TWU
ENMU Wins Home Opener to Move Above .500

PORTALES, N.M. — Lauren Standefer (Fr., F, Tularosa, NM/Alamogordo HS) redirected a cross from Megan Dozier (So., F, Midland, TX/Midland HS) past Texas Woman’s University goalkeeper Krista Elbert nine minutes into overtime, sending Eastern New Mexico University to a 2-1 victory over the Pioneers, Sept. 24 at the ENMU Soccer Field. ENMU improved to 5-4 on the season, while Texas Woman’s dropped to 3-5.

The game was the Lone Star Conference opener for both teams, and was the home opener for ENMU. With the win, Eastern’s second-year team moved above the .500 mark for the first time in its short history. The Zias were 3-12 in their inaugural season last fall.

Dozier caught up to a pass from midfield into open space near the right sideline. After taking control of the ball about 22 yards from the goal — but still near the sideline — she turned and sent a pass deep into the TWU penalty area. Standefer provided a glancing header from three yards out that sent the ball into the far left corner of the net. The goal was scored at 99:00 to end the match with one minute left in the first of two possible sudden-death overtime periods.

The Zias forced overtime with just over eight minutes remaining in regulation, when Kara Henderson (Fr., D, Rio Rancho, NM/Rio Rancho HS) headed the ball into the net from five yards out. The header was assisted by Nicole Bregler (Fr., M, Alamogordo, NM/Alamogordo HS) on one of Eastern’s 11 corner kicks during the match.

ENMU almost won the game early in overtime, when Anna Funck (So., M, Amarillo, TX/ Amarillo HS) shot from 15 yards, but Elbert made a save and redirected the ball toward the left post. Elbert made another save by diving at the post just before Bregler tried to tap in the rebound.

The Pioneers scored first at 35:33 on a shot from six yards out by Christine Hornisher. She recorded the goal after ENMU’s starting goalie, Stephanie Sanchez (Fr., Belen, NM/Belen HS) had difficulty with a clearance.

Sanchez had three saves on four shots, before giving way to Amanda Vanlandingham (Fr., GK, Hobbs, NM/Hobbs HS) at the start of the second half. Vanlandingham, who has split time with Sanchez in several games this season, played the final 54 minutes to earn the win.

TWU held an 8-3 edge in total shots at halftime, including a 4-1 lead in shots on goal, but was outshot 15-6 (10-2 on goal) the rest of the way. Elbert finished the contest with eight saves, while Vanlandingham made two saves. ENMU outshot TWU 5-0 in overtime, although both teams had significant attacks during the period.

Eastern defeated the Pioneers for the second year in a row by a 2-1 score in overtime. Last year, Dozier scored both goals, including the winner at 96:55, as the Zias won in Denton, Texas, on Oct. 3, 2003. In that game, TWU held a 31-6 advantage in shots. In the rematch, the Zias outshot the Pioneers, 18-14.

The Zias remain at home for three more games in a row, including an LSC contest against Texas A&M University-Commerce tomorrow (Sept. 25). Game time is scheduled for 2 p.m. MDT.