Soccer: NM State Knocks Off Middle Tennessee in Road Victory

Emma O’Neill punches in the game-winning goal, the first of her career, in the 64th minute.

Source: NMSU Athletics
By Emilio Garcia
Photo By Andrea Pando for NMSU: Courtesy

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Beginning their final road stint of the 2026 regular season, NM State took to The Volunteer State for a Thursday night tilt against Middle Tennessee. After a scoreless first half, senior midfielder Emma O’Neill was able to put in her first career goal and give the Aggies their first road win in conference play, 1-0.

Sydnee Johnson was the first Aggie to tally a shot in the contest for the Crimson & White, firing a ball towards the MTSU net in the eighth minute – one of a season-high four shots the graduate forward would take on the night.
 
Karolanne Lafortune returned in goal for the Aggies on Thursday, recording her first save of the night in the 16^th minute.
 
In the 29^th minute, NM State tallied the first corner kick attempt for either team, eventually leading to a shot by Milly Eyrich, though it sailed wide of the net.
 
The Blue Raiders forced their fourth and final save of the half by Lafortune in the 43^rd minute, though the teams headed into halftime knotted at 0-0.
 
At the break, NM State led MTSU in saves (4-0), while tied on corner kicks (1-1) and trailing in shots (8-4).  

“It felt amazing, especially given the things I’ve gone through injury-wise. I couldn’t have done it without the rest of the team! I was just there to finish, but the work and effort came from throughout the whole team. A win on the road is amazing. Shoutout [NM State] Volleyball!”

~Senior midfielder Emma O’Neil

 
Both teams came out firing in the second half, with the Aggies earning a free kick on the Middle Tennessee half of the field in the 51^st minute. Gabi Hislop fired the ball straight towards the net, falling into the hands of Blue Raider keeper Demi Gronauer. Moments later, Sydnee Johnson was able to evade the MTSU keeper and fire a cross-body shot across the net that seemingly squeaked over the line for an NM State goal. However, following a video review, the goal was not counted, leaving the sides tied 0-0.
 
The Aggies would find vindication in the 64^th minute, following another free kick in MTSU territory. Daniela Portillo fired a shot from beyond the 18-yard box, which the Blue Raider goalie struggled to keep a strong grasp on – allowing senior Emma O’Neill to collect it with her left foot and punch it home for a no-doubter, putting the Crimson & White ahead 1-0.
 
MTSU attempted to find the equalizer in the 70^th minute, when a congested goal box made it difficult for NM State keeper Karolanne Lafortune to get a handle on the ball, though the Aggie defense stayed stout and neutralized the threat.

As the clock wound down, NM State maintained their 1-0 lead and secured their first road victory of Conference USA play.
 
With the win, NM State moves to 2-3-1 in CUSA action. Junior Daniela Portillo recorded her first collegiate assist, while Emma O’Neill similarly tallied her first collegiate goal. Dolce Escorza got the starting nod for the first time in her young career, playing a full 90 minutes along the Aggie backline.
 
16 shots on the night ranks as the second-highest total for NM State this season (20, versus Sam Houston), while eight shots on goal tied a season high. Returning to the lineup on Thursday, Karolanne Lafortune recorded her third shutout of the season finishing with six saves – her seventh match with six or more saves this season.
 
UP NEXT
NM State concludes their regular-season road slate with a match against Western Kentucky in Bowling Green on Sunday, Oct. 25. The Aggies lead the all-time series 2-1, though most recently fell 2-0 to the Hilltoppers in 2025. First kick is slated for Noon MT, with the match streamed live on ESPN+, and live stats available at wkusports.com.
  
For complete coverage of NM State Soccer, visit NMStateSports.com – the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateWSOC), Instagram (@NMStateWSOC), and like us on Facebook (NMStateWSOC).