ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The University of San Francisco women's soccer team came back from an early deficit to defeat New Mexico, 2-1, in its regular season opener at the University of New Mexico Soccer Complex on Friday.

"New Mexico is very direct and tough to defend.  They came at us but we absorbed it and got a nice win on the road," said Dons head coach Jim Millinder.

Just three minutes into the game, New Mexico scored a goal off a corner kick when Emily Chavez one-timed a header from Casey Murphy to give the Lobos a quick 1-0 lead. 

Ten minutes later at the 13^th minute mark, Dons red-shirt junior Samantha Jehnings got the equalizer off a quick play off an assist by Allison Arriola. 

The score remained tied at 1-1 going to the half with each team credited with nine shots each. 

Just as quickly as the Lobos got on board in the first half, the Dons struck early at the start of the second half.  At the 49^th minute mark, senior Sonja Giraud scored on a one-timer off a save by the Lobo goalkeeper Emily Johnson for what turned out to be the game winner. 

"We changed the team shape in the second half to match their system of play and it paid off," said Millinder.  "We had a lot of contribution from a lot of players.  Several freshmen got an opportunity to play and they did a good job," said the sixth-year head coach in reference to the freshmen quartet of Emily Pye, Cassidy Helenihi, Michelle Feinberg and Ashley Humphrey.    

As part of the Lobo Invitational, the Dons play Texas Tech on Sunday, August 20 at 12 Noon Pacific Time in Albuquerque.

"Texas Tech made the NCAA last year.  It'll be a battle and a chess match in this heat," said Millinder.