MSoc: Selemani’s first goal not enough for Gauchos

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Sophomore forward Ahinga Selemani scored his first goal in a UC Santa Barbara uniform on Sunday evening, but it wasn’t enough as a second half brace from Chris Wehan propelled New Mexico to a come-from-behind 2-1 win in the final game of the Grange & Ashwill Memorial Invitational.

Selemani, a transfer from Michigan, put UCSB (1-1-1) up by a goal in the 22nd minute, settling a pass from junior wingback Ismaila Jome at the top of the box before launching a shot past UNM (1-1-1) keeper Jason Beaulieu.

However, Wehan came out after the haltime break and rescued the result for the host squad with a pair of close range goals.

In the 66th minute, Wehan provided the equalizer after collecting a pass in the box from Josh Goss and then finishing into the upper left corner past UCSB keeper Brandon Berke.

Wehan, who was named Tournament MVP, then put the Lobos up for the good in the 87th minute, getting a nice first touch on a headed pass before slotting low left. The UMN forward led all players with seven shots.

After the game, Selemani and sophomore midfielder Kevin Feucht were both named to the All-Tournament Team.

Counting the Westmont exhibition, Jome has assists in three of four games this season.

UCSB will continue its road swing with a trip to the northeast next weekend, facing off against Yale on Friday afternoon and UConn on Sunday afternoon.