Published 11/11/2012 10:49:57 PM by William Montero from soccermogul

Could Air Force make it three wins over New Mexico this year?  They would have to if they were take the MPSF Tournament Title and grab an NCAA Tournament berth.  

The wind would play a major part in the match as it howled all afternoon. Both teams were forced to deal with the conditions almost as much as their opponent, but both sides pushed on.

The first half was a quiet affair as neither side was able to generate much offense.  One of the only true attacks of the half resulted in New Mexico grabbing the lead though.

UNM's Michael Kafari lifted a perfect pass to freshman Ben McKendry who flicked the ball over Matt Underwood and into the Air Force net.  The match would go to the break 1-0 to New Mexico and Air Force needing a second half rally.

The second half drifted along as New Mexico protected their slim lead.  Air Force was pushing hard, but were unable to break down the Lobo defense.  Instead it looked like UNM was more likely to extend their lead as they earned 4 corner kicks in the early stages of the half.

Air Force nearly tied the game when Kevin Durr hit a good shot that forced New Mexico keeper Patrick Poblete into a diving save.  From there the match drifted towards a 1-0 finish.

A dramatic finish was needed Air Force was to survive and they got it.  With only 16 seconds left on the clock they got the tying goal as Kevin Durr rifled home a shot from outside the UNM penalty area.  The ball came off the crossbar and into the net.

After neither side could score in overtime the game would have to be decided in penalty kicks.  Advantage Air Force as they had the best keeper in the MPSF in goal with Matt Underwood.  Both sides made their opening three attempts, but New Mexico was the first to blink when Michael Calderon saw his spotkick miss off the crossbar.  Air Force's Scott McGillvray would convert his penalty kick to clinch the shootout victory for the Falcons.

It was the first ever MPSF title for Air Force.  Both sides will now await their destination and opponent for the NCAA Tournament.  Air Force should be on the road, while UNM may be lucky enough to earn a high seed and garner a home match.

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