NMMI Sports Press
The Colt Varsity soccer team edged visiting Portales by a score of 1-0 Tuesday on Stapp Parade Field as sophomore Mason Hicks scored in the final minutes to give NMMI its second consecutive victory over the Rams.
The Colts went to Portales Saturday and beat the Rams 4-1, but NMMI head coach John Barbour knew the opponent would come to Roswell ready to perform better.
“Their coach was a little frustrated after the game on Saturday,” Barbour said. “So we knew they’d come out and play us tougher this go round. It was a good game, they challenged us.”
Barbour was pleased with most aspects of his team’s performance, but wants to see more aggressiveness when they have chances to score.
“Our possession was fantastic,” he said. “We were able to play through their lines. We had opportunities, but didn’t finish. We’ve got to do better with our finishing. We’re only using our dominant leg, so we’ll have some practices where we only use our less-dominant foot.”
That good finish finally came around the 78th minute for Hicks.
“It was a good ball in, he was able to break through and got off his man. The ball was on his right foot and he was able to just blast it past the keeper,” Barbour said.
Barbour said the close win was great for his team as they get ready for district play, which begins Saturday at Ruidoso.
“I think this one was huge for them,” he said. “Going late in a game and getting the win, it means everything. It was great seeing them come together and stick together to pull this one out.”
Ruidoso currently sits at 3-7-1, but Barbour isn’t taking the Warriors lightly.
“They’ve dropped a few recently, and I understand they have some injuries, but they’ve picked up some nice wins this year as well,” Barbour said. “Going in there, I think we have a good plan and the kids just have to execute.
The Colts take on the Warriors in Ruidoso at 1 p.m. Saturday.