Returning to the NM State Soccer Complex for their final bout of the regular season, the Aggies hosted the Gamecocks of Jax State on Saturday afternoon. Just 11 minutes into action, Kennedy Herrera put the Aggies on the board, while Sydnee Johnson punched in a goal for her second consecutive contest, giving NMSU the 2-1 win.
As both teams battled to earn their spot in the 2026 CUSA Championship, the match had an intensity from the opening kick. Kennedy Herrera posted the first shot of the match for either team in the ninth minute, while the Aggies earned the contest’s first corner kick shortly after.
With junior Gabi Hislop on the ball, she launched it into the box from the far side of the field – where Herrera was able to outleap and outpower the Jax State defenders, powering home a header to put the Aggies ahead 1-0.
“It was very emotional. When I scored, I was in shock,” Herrera said. “I told my teammates, I’ve been crying all day, knowing it’s my last home game. My family has been there for me throughout my whole college career. I’m glad I was able to be there for my team and bury a goal. I’m excited and I’m proud to go celebrate with my team.”
Strong defense from both teams kept the offensive opportunities to a minimum for the rest of the half, seeing the Crimson & White enter the halftime break with the lead.
NMSU held the edge over Jax State in shots (3-2), and corner kicks (2-0). However, not long into the second half, the Gamecocks were able to put themselves on the scoreboard, tying the match 1-1.
With shots coming at a premium in the crucial match, the Aggies looked for every opportunity to push the ball and notch a second goal.
“That win was what we have been talking about all year – it was gritty,” said head coach Rob Baarts. “We didn’t back down. When you’re playing a team that the only thing that gets them through [to the CUSA Championships] is a win, they’re really hard to play.”
Following a Jax State handball, Gabi Hislop rocketed the ensuing free kick deep into the Gamecock goal box. Rattling around, Sydnee Johnson found the ball at her feet, taking on the goalkeeper and firing in a right-footed strike that found the back of the net to put NM State ahead 2-1.
“Not only did Sydnee go score the goal for us, she stalled the game,” Baarts said. “She took it in the corner, did the things she has to do. The whole backline was just so solid. Filucca [Daugaard], a freshman playing 90 minutes in the six – no one puts a freshman in the six for 90 minutes in this kind of game, and she just steps up every time. The senior leadership is really paying off with the whole group.”
The Gamecocks forced Aggie keeper Karolanne Lafortune into her first save of the afternoon in the 89th minute, though the Montreal, Canada, native was able to leap up and corral the ball.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Aggies secured a 2-1 victory, and their spot in the 2026 Conference USA Championships – their first appearance since 2024.
Kennedy Herrera closes her regular season playing all but seven minutes, totaling 17 consecutive 90-minute matches. With her third assist of the season, Gabi Hislop now leads the team in helpers.
With the win, NM State clinches a spot in the 2026 Conference USA Championships, held Nov. 8-13 in Newark, Delaware.
