Navy women’s soccer falls to New Mexico in penalties in NCAA Tournament

Navy ended its bizarre 2020-21 women’s soccer season with a loss in penalty kicks against New Mexico on Tuesday, 4-2, bowing out of the NCAA tournament. It was their second trip ever to penalty kicks in the NCAA tournament, moving them to a 0-5-1 record all-time in the post-season.

The Mids would come out of the gates firing, as junior Molly Gillcrist would score her first Navy goal just 29 seconds into the game. There would not be much action in the remainder of the first half, as Navy would only get four shots on net.

On the other end of the field, freshman Mattie Gallagher was having a game to remember, making seven saves through the first 70 minutes. The Lobos were be able to squeeze one by a minute later, via a flurry of volleys, tying the game up at 1-1.

New Mexico would dominate throughout that second half but could only muster that one goal Still, they out-shot the Mids 11-4.

Neither team would be able to convert in the extra frame, and the two headed to a shootout. Navy made the tournament via a shootout win over Colgate, and looked to find that magic again.

They opened with a score, but not much after, as they fell in the first round yet again.

“New Mexico is a very good team that is really well coached. We battled for 110 minutes and unfortunately we didn’t execute as well in PK’s as we did the last game,” Navy head coach Carin Gabrarra said. “I’m super proud of our effort, our intensity and our drive throughout the game. Our seniors have provided us with such great leadership this year. This was a special team to do what they did this season. There was never a complaint, never an excuse; this team just came ready to go and ready to train every day. They’ve been there for each other since day one.”

Navy will head into next season looking to make three consecutive NCAA tournaments for the first time ever.