Hounds, Zias sweep soccer openers

Freedom New Mexico

Sophomore forward Emerson Rodrigues scored a pair of goals Sunday to help the Eastern New Mexico University men’s soccer team blank Colorado Christian 3-0 at the ENMU pitch.

ENMU (1-1), which lost to St. Edward’s 4-0 in its opener on Friday, posted a 20-5 edge in shots during Sunday’s match against the Cougars (0-4), including 13-2 in shots on goal.

Later on Sunday, the ENMU women cruised to a 6-0 win over University of the Southwest in a match called with just under 18 minutes left due to lightning.

First-year Greyhounds coach Harold Munoz said his team’s defense was primarily responsible for the win.

“Today, we were able to defend a little better (than against St. Ed’s),” Munoz said. “We had several (other) chances to score, so we’ve got to work a little bit on finishing.”

Rodrigues, a native of Brazil and transfer from Oklahoma Baptist, put ENMU ahead with under 5 1/2 minutes left in the half when he headed the ball in from close range off a free kick by Luis Castenada. Sophomore Jerry Monarrez scored ENMU’s second goal on a rebound of a shot by Jacob Ford 13 minutes into the second half before Rodrigues added the final tally in the 73rd minute.

Rodriguez had seven shots on goal.

“Emerson was very active today looking for the goal,” Munoz said.

Zias 6, University of the Southwest 0 — Senior midfielder Hillary Gintowt had a goal and two assists for ENMU (2-3), which built a 4-0 lead at halftime against the Lady Mustangs (0-4).

Gintowt scored just over a minute into the contest on a pass from freshman midfielder Kimberly Luna. She assisted on Kim Anaya’s goal less than 10 minutes in.

Freshman Andrea Elizondo had a goal and an assist, while Kandace Padilla and Samantha Lawrence also added goals.