Greyhounds Can't Overcome 1-0 Halftime Deficit in Loss to Northeastern State
Goal at 36:05 Stands Up as NSU Shuts Out ENMU

Box Score

PORTALES, N.M. — The Eastern New Mexico University men’s soccer team lost its fourth consecutive match, going down 1-0 to Northeastern State University on Sunday, Sept. 25, in a Southwest Soccer Conference game. The Greyhounds fell to 2-8-1 overall and to 1-6 in the SSC. The Redmen improved to 3-7 this season, with a 3-4 record in the conference.

NSU scored the only goal it needed at the 36:05 mark on a free kick from 19 yards by forward Ludinei Picelli Filho. The shot was perfectly placed in the upper right corner of the net.

Eastern was outshot 12-11 overall and fell short on a couple of one-on-one breakaways against a lone defender and NSU starting goalie Devon Murray in the first half. Murray recorded a save on both occasions, as Jonathan Holman (So., F, Rio Rancho, NM/Rio Rancho HS) and Rhen Salas (Fr., MF, San Antonio, TX/Judson HS) almost eluded his grasp on shots toward the top of the net. Murray, who improved to 2-0 with the win, was replaced by Jason Schulz at the start of the second half.

Greyhound goalie Leif Craddock (So., Amarillo, TX/West Texas A&M Univ.) was impressive on defense and made three solid saves. ENMU defenders also blocked three shots against the Redmen. Craddock has allowed just one goal in each of Eastern’s last three games.

The Greyhounds were whistled for 18 fouls in the match, while the Lions were caught only nine times. Eastern was hurt by three yellow cards and one red card, leading to the ejection of defender Adam Diehl (So., Rio Rancho, NM/Rio Rancho HS) at 81:02. This put ENMU at a disadvantage, playing with only 10 men, as ENMU desperately attempted to tie the game in the final minutes.

Eastern’s longest homestand of the season continues on Friday, Sept. 30 with a match against the University of Texas-Permian Basin scheduled 4 p.m. MST. On Sunday, Oct. 2, the Greyhounds will match up against the College of the Southwest at the ENMU Soccer Field, starting at 4 p.m. MST. The homestand also includes SSC games against Midwestern State University on Oct. 14 and St. Edward’s University on Oct. 16.