Arizona Shuts Out New Mexico State, 2-0, in Home Opener

TUCSON, Ariz. - Arizona Soccer earned its first win of the 2026 season Saturday night, shutting out New Mexico State, 2-0, in its home opener at Murphey Field at Mulcahy Soccer Stadium.

The Wildcats controlled the attack throughout the match, outshooting the Aggies 19-3, including a 10-1 advantage in shots on goal. Arizona also held 68% of possession and did not allow New Mexico State a corner kick while generating four of its own. Arizona controlled the offensive effort from the start, outshooting New Mexico State 9-1 in the opening half while holding a 3-1 advantage in shots on goal and a 1-0 edge in corner kicks. Despite the offensive pressure, the match remained scoreless heading into halftime.

The Wildcats broke through less than six minutes into the second half when Jessica Bedolla found the back of the net to give Arizona a 1-0 advantage. The goal was Bedolla's first of the season and continued her success against the Aggies after scoring twice in last season's meeting in Las Cruces.

Arizona added to its lead in the 66th minute when Lainey Swanson scored the first goal of her Wildcat career. Ashley May provided the assist, the first of her Arizona career, to extend the Wildcats' lead to 2-0

Arizona's defense held New Mexico State to just three shots and one shot on goal en route to its first clean sheet of the regular season. Sofia Cortes-Browne made the lone save of the match in the opening half before Laurynn Ziller entered after halftime to help complete the shutout.

The Wildcats opened their home slate in front of 1,124 fans, marking the 10th-largest crowd in Mulcahy Soccer Stadium history.

With the victory, Arizona improves to 1-1 on the season and earns its 25th home win under head coach Becca Moros. The Wildcats also improve to 4-0 all-time against New Mexico State and have held the Aggies scoreless in all four meetings.

NOTABLES

Arizona earned its first victory and first clean sheet of the 2026 regular season.
The Wildcats outshot New Mexico State 19-3 and held a 10-1 advantage in shots on goal.
Arizona controlled 68% of possession and held a 4-0 advantage in corner kicks.
Jessica Bedolla scored her first goal of the season and has now scored three goals in Arizona's last two meetings with New Mexico State.
Lainey Swanson scored the first goal of her Arizona career in her first regular-season home match as a Wildcat.
Ashley May recorded the first assist of her Arizona career on Swanson's goal.
Saturday's attendance of 1,124 was the 10th largest in Mulcahy Soccer Stadium history.
Arizona improved to 4-0 all-time against New Mexico State and has yet to concede a goal in the series.
The victory marked the Wildcats' 25th home win under Moros, improving her home record at Arizona to 25-17-1.

UP NEXT

Arizona returns to the road Thursday, Aug. 20, traveling to Spokane, Washington, to take on Gonzaga. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. MST.

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