ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Despite a strong first-half performance, Utah State soccer ended its weekend in a 3-2 loss at New Mexico Sunday. 

Utah State falls to 2-10-1 on the season, including a 1-4-1 record against Mountain West opponents. With the win, New Mexico improves to 7-5-1 overall and 3-2-1 in league action.

Utah State took the early lead Sunday, scoring its quickest goal of any match this season in the 15th minute of play. A corner kick worked its way into the penalty box, where several Aggie and Lobo players made contact. Eventually, the ball got to sophomore defender Imelda Williams, who headed it toward the net. Junior forward Alecia Robinson then made the final redirecting contact to score. 

The Aggies were then able to extend their lead in the 30th minute. After a throw-in near the corner, Williams made a long cross into the box to junior midfielder Kanyan Ward-Merrill. Much like the first goal of the day, Ward-Merrill headed the ball in for her first goal of the season.

Coming out of the halftime break, New Mexico controlled the offensive pace of the game. The Lobos were able to get on the board in the 57th minute, when a long throw deep into the box was able to get past Aggie goalkeeper Grace McGuire. Just 45 seconds later, New Mexico drew a foul off the Aggies and was able to score again on the long free kick. 

The Lobos continued their strong half, taking the 3-2 lead in the 72nd minute. A goal kick from the New Mexico keeper was lobbed near the midfield line, bouncing up to find a Lobo player who was able to breakaway from the Aggie defense and around McGuire. Utah State was held without a shot throughout the entire second half, unable to catch back up to the Lobos.

Overall, New Mexico tallied 25 shots to Utah State's nine, while holding a 9-3 on-goal advantage. McGuire played the full match in the net for the Aggies, picking up six saves.

Utah State will return to the road next weekend for a pair of games in Colorado Springs, Colo. The Aggies will play at Colorado College on Friday, Oct. 12, at 3 p.m., and at Air Force on Sunday, Oct. 14, at noon.

Fans can follow Utah State soccer on Twitter, @USUSoccer, on Instagram, @USUSoccer, as well as on Facebook, at /USUSoccer. Aggie fans can also follow Utah State Athletics on Twitter, @USUAthletics, on Instagram, @USUAthletics and on Facebook at /USUAthletics.