Portales girls suffer loss, potential key injury, against Moriarty

It was a rough day for the Portales Lady Rams as they may be without the services of Angie Gonzalez in the immediate future.

Gonzalez was injured in the first half of Portales’ 3-2 loss against Moriarty on Tuesday at PHS.

Moriarty built a two-goal lead to end the first half. Chloe Rector scored first for the Lady Pintos in the 10th minute of the game while Ashley Strader scored the second goal for Moriarty in the 38th minute.

Once the second half started, Portales fought back to tie the time, scoring two goals of their own in the first ten minutes of the second half.

Lillie Saiz scored first for the Red and White in the 43rd minute of the game and was assisted by Angelina Gallegos. Daniela Jimenez scored the equalizer for Portales a few minutes later in the 47th minute.

Moriarty captain Emma Roberts scored the eventual game-winner in the 58th minute. Coach Ruben Tellez said the final goal happened because of a defensive miscue.

“We didn’t drop and rotate,” Tellez said. “We left a whole wide open in the back.”

Despite the loss, Tellez was pleased with the team’s efforts, especially in the second half.

“If we play both halves like we did the second half, we’re winning those games,” Tellez said. “I was very proud of that half.”

link Staff photo: Matthew Asher

Portales coach Ruben Tellez carries Angie Gonzalez off the PHS field in the first half on Tuesday. Gonzalez did not return in the second half. Moriarty defeated Portales 3-2.

As for Gonzalez’ injury, coach Tellez said she had aggravated a previous ankle injury, but there was no prognosis immediately after the game.

“We’ll have to keep a close eye on it,” Tellez said. “ She’s a big part of our team. She’s tough to replace.”

The Lady Rams don’t play again until this Saturday when they face Clovis. The Wildcats host the junior varsity/varsity doubleheader at 10 a.m. and noon at Leon Williams Stadium.