LUBBOCK, Texas (November 7, 2024) – Lubbock Christian University overcame a halftime deficit with a trio of goals in the final 13 minutes to defeat rival Eastern New Mexico 3-1 Wednesday at LCU Soccer and Track Complex. The Chaparrals closed Lone Star Conference play and ended their season with a hard-earned victory.
The victory brings Lubbock Christian's record to 6-6-5 overall and 3-4-3 in Lone Star Conference play, placing them in a tie with UT Tyler for sixth in the standings. However, due to tiebreaker rules, the Patriots secured the final spot in the Lone Star Conference Championships. Eastern New Mexico's loss drops them to 4-7-6 overall and 2-5-3 in conference play, ending their season in eighth place in the standings.
How it Happened
Eastern New Mexico took a 1-0 lead when Giani Mascarel scored in the 30th minute.
The Chaparrals responded on a goal from Justin Martinez -- his sixth goal of the season -- in the 78th minute, tying the game at 1-1.
Lubbock Christian then broke the 1-1 tie on Joseph Abraham's 82nd-minute goal, his first of the season. Francisco Horta assisted the goal, as the Chaparrals gained their first lead of the match.
The Chaparrals took a 3-1 lead with an 89th-minute goal from Alejo Garcia, his first goal of the season and career. Manu Nunez assisted the goal, as he increased his season total to four. The goal would prove to be the final dagger, as Lubbock Christian completed the comeback and gained the win.
Game Notes
- Connor Pettigrew piled up two saves for the Chaparrals out of six total Greyhounds shots, finishing the season with 68, which is second-most in the Lone Star.
- Justin Martinez netted his sixth goal of the season, completing his first season with Lubbock Christian as their leading goal scorer.
- Martinez is the first freshman to lead the team in goals scored since Luciano Rodriguez in 2021.
- Manu Nunez recorded his fourth assist, ending as the season leader for the Chaparrals and ranks seventh in the conference.
- Alejo Garica scored his first ever goal with Lubbock Christian after 32 matches played with the team.
- Joseph Abraham gained his first goal of the season and second career goal with Lubbock Christian, with the last coming on September 14, 2023 against South Dakota Mines.
- Lubbock Christian notched their second home win of the season and the first since September 7 against Adams State.
- The Chaparrals conclude the season with a 6-6-5 overall record and a 3-4-3 mark in conference play. They posted a 2-3-3 record at home and went 3-3-2 on the road.
What's Next?
With a narrow miss on the Lone Star Conference Championships, Lubbock Christian's season concludes with their victory over Eastern New Mexico. The Chaparrals now head into the offseason, aiming to build on this season's strong performances and work toward a postseason return next year.