SAN MARCOS, Texas – A strong offensive effort by the Texas State soccer team resulted in a 2-0 shutout victory over New Mexico State Friday evening. The Bobcats fired off 34 shots in the contest to improve to 5-2-0 on the year. The victory marked the fourth-straight win for the Bobcats and the fourth shutout of the season.
 
Two goals in a span of just over three minutes in the second half lifted Texas State to the shutout victory. Sophomore midfielder Rachel Grout put the Bobcats up in the 77^th minute on a volleyed shot received from Maddie Nichols. Junior forward Clarissa Leon added to the Bobcat total in the 80^th minute on a shot directly scored from Taylor Allen's corner kick.
 
The Bobcat offense started firing shots early and often, consistently applying pressure to the New Mexico State defense. The first strong opportunity to go up against the Aggies came in the 10^th minute on a shot by Landry Lowe. Lowe had an open look just outside the six-yard box, but was denied on a diving save by the New Mexico State goalkeeper.
 
Texas State continued to apply pressure throughout the remainder of the first half as it launched 15 first half shots compared to just three by the Aggies.
 
New Mexico State came out of the gates early in the second half as it applied more pressure to the Bobcat defense. Texas State allowed five shots in the second half, but the combination of three shots off goal and two saves by Bobcat goalkeeper Caitlynn Rinehart kept the Aggies scoreless.
 
The Bobcats ultimately fired off 19 shots in the second half for a total of 34 in the contest. Texas State finished the match with eight corner kicks compared to four by New Mexico State.
 
Rinehart ended the match with five total saves as she recorded her fourth shutout of the 2015 season. Grout and Leon each notched their first goals of the year.
 
The Bobcats were led Friday evening by assistant coaches Link Scoggins and Lauren Frazier as head coach Kat Conner is recovering from surgery. Coach Conner will continue to oversee team operations and recruiting, review game film, and support the coaching staff during her limited role.
 
Texas State will finish out the non-conference slate this Sunday against former Southland Conference foe Lamar. Kick-off against the Cardinals is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Bobcat Soccer Complex. For more information on the Texas State soccer team, go online to www.txstatebobcats.com, Facebook (Texas State Soccer) or Twitter (@TxStateSoccer).