Lac Cruz, New Mexico — What a game, what a week, and what a season for the NMSU women’s soccer team.
Head coach Rob Bartz told ABC-7, “When we started the season, one of the things we wanted to do was play one game at a time. If we did it one game at a time, we would break history.” “We weren’t satisfied with that and wanted the next one.”
The Aggies made history okay. It was the fourth time they advanced to a conference tournament this season. Then on Friday they earned his ticket to the WAC finals for the first time in program history, and on Sunday he beat Utah Valley 1-0 in the tournament final.
“This was my last time in the WAC and this was very nice and instead of trying to be tough I just dropped the mic and said what’s next and left the WAC championship Amazing,” Bartz said.
The win not only marked the first time they won a WAC title, but also their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament in program history.
Midfielder Tachi Jarman said: “It’s a crazy feeling, very exciting. There are so many emotions going into it and it feels like all our hard work has finally paid off and we are making history with this team. I feel great that I was able to do this.
Goalkeeper Makena Gottschalk said: “Slowly, slowly, slowly building a program to get to this moment. It’s great to finally get there. I hope to keep going.” I will,” he said.
The only goal came in the 44th minute when Bianca Chacón put in a cross and German slotted it.
“Honestly, I was more focused on playing the game and not really worrying about scoring,” Jarman said. “Everyone was rooting for me, but I thought I still had a game to play. I still haven’t won this one.”
Giving the Aggies the lead in a game where both teams had just nine shots on target was a crucial goal, from which the defense turned into a brick wall and Gottschalk made six saves in a day. .
“We know how to stop the ball. “If we can do that, we can challenge them and that’s how we win the championship.”
The Aggies did not concede a single goal in the entire tournament and Gottschalk finished the week with 15 saves to earn tournament MVP.
The Aggies are currently awaiting an announcement of their opponents for the NCAA Tournament on Monday at 2:00 PM MT.
