PORTALES, N.M.– The Texas A&M University-Commerce soccer team picked up a 1-0 overtime victory over Eastern New Mexico on Saturday afternoon. After the teams played to a scoreless tie in regulation, the Lions netted a goal in the fifth minute of the first overtime to pick up the win.
 
The win brings the Lions to 5-3-1 on the season and 2-2 in the Lone Star Conference. The Greyhounds fall to 4-2-1 and 1-2 in conference action.
 
The Lions return home on Thursday for a match against travel-partner UT Tyler. The match will be played at 7 p.m. at the Lion Soccer Field. Tickets to all Lion home matches are available for purchase at WeAreLionsTix.com, by calling (903) 468-8756 , by visiting the Lion Sales & Service Box Office in the Field House during business hours, or by purchase at the gates of the Lion Soccer Field.
 
HEAD COACH NEIL PIPER AFTER THE MATCH
On the win:  "It was a much needed win. Both teams had some good chances during regulation."
On the overtime goal: "The goal came from a great individual effort from Kara. She beat three players and calmly put away the finish."
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Kara Blasingame (Oswego, Ill.) scored the lone goal of the match in the 95th minute. It is her third goal of the season, and her second game-winning goal.
- Leslie Campuzano (Garland – Lakeview Centennial) assisted on the goal, her sixth assist of the year. She also had two shots on goal.
- Jen Peters (Allen) earned her fifth shutout of the season, stopping all six of ENMU's shots on goal.
- The Lions were outshot 14-6 in the match, including 8-1 in the second half.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The defense was strong by both teams in the early period, as neither team was able to put a shot on goal in the first 28 minutes of the match. ENMU had consecutive shots on goal in the 29th minute, but both were saved by Peters.
 
Campuzano had the Lions' first shot on goal in the 35th minute and again had a shot on goal in the 38th minute. Neither team was able to find space for shots in the final minutes as the score was tied at zero at halftime.
 
Peters made two early saves in the second half as the Greyhounds applied pressure early and often. The Lions had their lone shot of the period in the early minutes and held off the ENMU attack, as Peters made two more saves in the period. A last second shot by ENMU was off the mark and the match went into overtime.
 
The Lions held off the Greyhounds' lone shot of the overtime period and found their opportunity in the 95th minute. Campuzano found Blasingame and she was able to beat three defenders before sliding the ball into the goal, giving the Lions the win.