Sunday, October 4
Las Cruces, N.M.
3:00 PM ET/1:00 PM MT
Liberty University
10-2-1, 3-0-0
3
at
0
New Mexico State
2-9-2, 1-2-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| New Mexico St. | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Women’s Soccer Picks Up Eighth Straight Victory, 3-0 Over New Mexico State
10/4/2026 6:31:00 PM | Women's Soccer
LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Liberty (10-2-1, 3-0-0 CUSA) continued its winning ways on Sunday afternoon, upending New Mexico State (2-9-2, 1-2-0 CUSA) with a 3-0 road triumph. Halle Engle tallied her fourth game-winning goal of the season, and four freshmen recorded a point to spark the Lady Flames to victory.
The Lady Flames' stretch now ranks as the longest winning streak in Division l (tied with three teams) after picking up two road wins this week, previously topping Middle Tennessee State 2-1 on Thursday. Liberty also extended its unbeaten streak against Conference USA opponents to 18 games (14-0-4).
Engle started the scoring in the seventh minute of the contest. The forward forced her way toward the near post, depositing a cross from Avery Paulson. Her shot came with the Aggie goalkeeper out of position for the tap-in and Engle's team-leading sixth score of the season.
The Lady Flames defense stood out for the duration of the contest, not allowing a New Mexico shot attempt until the 43rd minute. NMSU was held without a shot on goal in the full contest, totaling just five attempts.
Liberty extended the lead in the 64th minute. Bella Myrmel sent in a cross toward the net. The NMSU goalkeeper, Karolanne LaFortune, misplayed the ball and allowed it to go through her hands and legs. Fellow Freshman Izzie Smulik won the foot race against an Aggie defender to the ball on the goal line, cashing in the score for her third of the year.
Not relenting, Liberty added a third tally with eight minutes remaining. Audrey Heustis found Gabby Garnett in the midfield with space. The freshman played the ball towards the center of the penalty area before slicing towards the goal with space. Garnett zipped a shot following some fancy footwork for her first collegiate goal.
At the end of the day, Liberty sits atop the CUSA standings, tied with Delaware (8-2-3, 3-0-0 CUSA).
Scoring Summary
7' – Liberty – Halle Engle (6) – Avery Paulson
64' – Liberty – Izzie Smulik (3) – Bella Myrmel
83' – Liberty – Gabby Garnett (1) – Audrey Heustis
Lady Flames News & Notes
Up Next
Liberty (10-2-1, 3-0-0 CUSA) returns home to take on FIU (4-5-3, 1-2-0 CUSA) on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. The contest from Osborne Stadium will be streamed live on ESPN+.
The Lady Flames' stretch now ranks as the longest winning streak in Division l (tied with three teams) after picking up two road wins this week, previously topping Middle Tennessee State 2-1 on Thursday. Liberty also extended its unbeaten streak against Conference USA opponents to 18 games (14-0-4).
Engle started the scoring in the seventh minute of the contest. The forward forced her way toward the near post, depositing a cross from Avery Paulson. Her shot came with the Aggie goalkeeper out of position for the tap-in and Engle's team-leading sixth score of the season.
The Lady Flames defense stood out for the duration of the contest, not allowing a New Mexico shot attempt until the 43rd minute. NMSU was held without a shot on goal in the full contest, totaling just five attempts.
Liberty extended the lead in the 64th minute. Bella Myrmel sent in a cross toward the net. The NMSU goalkeeper, Karolanne LaFortune, misplayed the ball and allowed it to go through her hands and legs. Fellow Freshman Izzie Smulik won the foot race against an Aggie defender to the ball on the goal line, cashing in the score for her third of the year.
Not relenting, Liberty added a third tally with eight minutes remaining. Audrey Heustis found Gabby Garnett in the midfield with space. The freshman played the ball towards the center of the penalty area before slicing towards the goal with space. Garnett zipped a shot following some fancy footwork for her first collegiate goal.
At the end of the day, Liberty sits atop the CUSA standings, tied with Delaware (8-2-3, 3-0-0 CUSA).
Scoring Summary
7' – Liberty – Halle Engle (6) – Avery Paulson
64' – Liberty – Izzie Smulik (3) – Bella Myrmel
83' – Liberty – Gabby Garnett (1) – Audrey Heustis
Lady Flames News & Notes
- Liberty now holds an eight-game winning streak. Its last loss or draw came at Pitt on Aug. 27.
- The Lady Flames carry an 18-game unbeaten streak against CUSA opponents. Its last regular-season loss was against FIU on Sept. 27, 2024.
- Liberty improves to 5-1-0 all-time against New Mexico State.
- The Lady Flames are unbeaten on the road (9-0-3) in CUSA play since joining the league in 2023.
- Engle has now scored in five of the last seven games. Three scores finished as game-winning goals. The forward now has 12 career game-winning tallies.
- Goalkeeper Ainsley Leja (8-1-1) earned her fifth straight victory. She now sports season averages of a 0.65 goals-against average and an .837 save percentage.
- Liberty outshot New Mexico State 20-5 with a 9-0 edge in shots on goal. Engle led all players with three shots on goal.
Up Next
Liberty (10-2-1, 3-0-0 CUSA) returns home to take on FIU (4-5-3, 1-2-0 CUSA) on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. The contest from Osborne Stadium will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Players Mentioned
F
/ Women's Soccer
M
/ Women's Soccer
M
/ Women's Soccer
GK
/ Women's Soccer
M/D
/ Women's Soccer
D
/ Women's Soccer
F
/ Women's SoccerTeam Stats
Lib
NMSU
Goals
3
0
Shots
20
5
Shots on Goal
9
0
Saves
0
6
Corners
6
1
Fouls
10
9
Scoring Plays
Halle Engle (6)
Assisted By: Avery Paulson
GOAL by Lib Engle, Halle Assist by Paulson, Avery.
06:13
Izzie Smulik (3)
Assisted By: Isabella Myrmel
GOAL by Lib Smulik, Izzie Assist by Myrmel, Isabella.
63:11
Gabriella Garnett (1)
Assisted By: Audrey Heustis
GOAL by Lib Garnett, Gabriella Assist by Heustis, Audrey.
82:03
Game Leaders
Shots
4
SOG
3
Goals
1
Assists
0
fwd
Shots
2
SOG
1
Goals
1
Assists
0
fwd
Shots
1
SOG
1
Goals
1
Assists
0
def
Shots
0
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
1
Saturday, September 26
Thursday, September 24
Friday, September 11
Monday, September 07