NMMI Sports Press
The New Mexico Military Institute soccer team (8-9-1) defeated Socorro 4-2 on penalty kicks in the first round of the state tournament Saturday, advancing them to the second round in Albuquerque Wednesday. Neither team could score in regulation or in overtime Saturday, forcing the game into PKs.
Head coach John Barbour credited his defense for the victory.
“We played well defensively and kept another clean sheet, " he said. Unfortunately we could not counter on the other end, which made it difficult to finish."
Diego Monteverde didn't start in goal for the Colts, but came in for the injured starter early in the first half.
“Monteverde stepped up big in the penalty shootout, Barbour said. "He took the pressure off of the guy's shooting and those guys finished when it counted."
The next game for the Colts will be Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. at the Bernalillo Soccer complex against No. 1 seed Sandia Prep (12-8.)
“This win does give us some momentum going into this match," Barbour said of the Sundevils. "They are the No. 1 seed for a reason. They have a solid program throughout the years that I have been coaching. I do think this tournament is wide open though. Any team is beatable in this tournament."