NMMI Sports Press

Colt Soccer lost a heartbreaker to the Coyotes Saturday at the Coyote Classic at Cielo Grande Sports Complex in Roswell. 

The two squads played to a 1-1 tie and both failed to score in overtime, leading to penalty kicks, where NMMI fell 4-2.

After defeating Las Cruces High 1-0 in the first round on Friday afternoon, the Colts were playing for a spot in the title game, but will settle for a shot at third place against either Goddard or Organ Mountain. 

Head coach John Barbour said his team has improved with each match this season.

"This is just our fourth match, and our guys have stepped it up each time," he said. "This was no different. We played better, but we have to find a way to score. Offensively, we're struggling right now, but we'll find our groove and get on track. It just takes time. These kids haven't played together much."

Barbour was pleased with the play of his junior goalkeepers, Carlos Corona and Rogelio Larrinaga, as well as his center backs and full backs, for keeping a clean sheet against Las Cruces and giving up a single goal against Roswell.

"Playing these higher classification teams prepares us for district play, no doubt," Barbour said. "We always try to play the 4A and 5A schools, because as the season progresses it's going to get harder and harder and if you don't play up to that, you'll struggle in the postseason. We are trying to build up and get ready for that."

The third-place game was scheduled for 3 p.m., but all matches were delayed due to lightning in the area Saturday.