Huskers Drop Season Opener at New Mexico

Albuquerque, N.M. - Nebraska hit the road for the 2010 season opener on Sunday afternoon and fell to the New Mexico Lobos, 3-0. The Huskers and Lobos totaled 14 shots apiece, but New Mexico converted three of its seven shots on goal, including two in the second half, to drop NU to 9-6-2 all-time in season openers.

Nebraska had a solid defensive effort through much of the first half until New Mexico forward Stephanie Rowe came up with the game-winning goal in the 38th minute. Rowe received a pass from forward Jordan Craig near the top of the goalie box to give the Lobos a 1-0 halftime lead.

The Husker offense tallied eight shots on goal against a tough New Mexico defense that ranked 12th nationally with 13 shutouts last season. NU still managed to put together several offensive opportunities, but UNM goalkeeper Kelli Cornell stopped each Husker shot and finished the match with seven saves.

Junior Molly Thomas nearly gave Nebraska a lead in the 26th minute when her shot from the top of the penalty box clanged off the crossbar. Thomas tallied three shots on the day, while sophomore forward Morgan Marlborough led NU with four shots, including three on goal. In addition to Marlborough, four other Huskers had at least one shot on goal, including freshman Ari Romero, junior Katie Goetzmann, freshman Stacy Bartels and sophomore Jordan Jackson.

New Mexico stretched its halftime lead in the second frame with goals from midfielder Rachel Fields (63:30) and forward Jennifer Williams (84:46).

Nebraska's season-opening lineup featured four freshmen who earned their first career starts, including Romero and defender Maritza Hayes, both true freshmen. Bartels and goalkeeper Emma Stevens were also in the lineup after redshirting the 2009 season.

Nebraska returns for its home opener this week as part of the adidas Husker Classic at the Nebraska Soccer Field. The Huskers will meet Loyola (Chicago) on Friday at 5 p.m. and conclude the weekend against Loyola (Maryland) on Sunday at 10 a.m.

Prior to this week's game action, the Nebraska soccer program will host its annual "Meet-N-Beat the Huskers" on Wednesday evening inside the Hawks Championship Center from 6:30-8 p.m. Fans attending the event will have an opportunity to meet the members of the 2010 team and participate in skills and drills with the players and coaching staff. Free Valentino's pizza will be available and fans will have a chance to pick up the new 2010 posters and schedule cards. The Huskers will also host an autograph session at the conclusion of the night.