ENMU men's soccer team routed in finale

Freedom New Mexico

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Apparently, the Northeastern State men’s soccer team is much better at home than away.

Eastern New Mexico University learned that the hard way on Friday, absorbing a 5-0 Lone Star Conference shellacking at the hands of the RiverHawks.

It was the final match of the season for the Greyhounds (11-6-2, 1-5-0 LSC), who set a school record for wins. Northeastern State (9-9-0, 1-4-0) closes out its season on Sunday at home against West Texas A&M.

Northeastern improved to 8-1 at home for the season, its only lose to LSC-leading and nationally-ranked Midwestern State. Meantime, the Hounds gave up more than three goals for only the second time this season, the other coming in a 5-0 loss at Midwestern on Sept. 20.

Senior forward Sam Vernalls scored two goals and added an assist as Northeastern blew the match open with four goals in the second half. His first goal 10 1/2 minutes into the contest gave the RiverHawks the lead at halftime, and he made it 2-0 with a shot from inside 10 yards with just over six minutes gone in the second half.

Senior midfielder Dustin Lyons, freshman defender Dre Hill and sophomore defender Alex Novoa added goals in the remaining time.

ENMU freshman goalkeeper Alistair Caldwell was able to save only three shots, while RiverHawks freshman keeper Matt Murrell had to make only one save.