Early goal leads Pack to semifinals of WAC Tourney

By: Staff Report

Friday, November 6, 2009 - 2:02 PM

The Nevada soccer team needed just 44 seconds to score a goal that would stand as the difference in its opening-round victory over New Mexico State.

Junior midfielder Vanessa Mann scored the game-winning goal 44 seconds into the game as the fourth-seeded Wolf Pack defeated the fifth-seeded New Mexico State Aggies 1-0 Thursday afternoon at the 2009 Western Athletic Conference Tournament in Boise, Idaho.

With the win, Nevada will advance to Friday’s first semifinal game against top-seeded San Jose State at 11:30 a.m. PT. The Wolf Pack ran its record to 9-11 overall while the Aggies end their first soccer season with a 9-9-1 record. Nevada’s semifinal appearance on Friday will mark the fourth time in Nevada’s five WAC Tournament appearances that it has advanced to the semifinal game.

Mann’s goal, her second goal of the year and first game-winning goal of the year, was assisted by Natalie Ratnavira who ran her team-leading point total to 12. Mann scored from 12 yards out off of a deflection from a New Mexico State defender.

Goalkeeper Marie Cove posted the shutout for Nevada, making five saves in the win. New Mexico State goalie Katie Graul made four saves for the Aggies.

The Pack ended the match with 17 shots (five on goal) to New Mexico State’s 13 (five on goal). Ratnavira took a team-high four shots for the Pack.

The sports staff can be reached at sports@nevadasagebrush.com.