The University of New Mexico suspended women's soccer junior defender Elizabeth Lambert for her rough play, specifically pulling a player down by the hair, during Thursday's game against BYU in the semifinals of the Mountain West Conference championship.
It was during BYU's 1-0 win when Lambert displayed the eye-opening unsportsmanlike conduct.
In video of the semifinal, Lambert is shown delivering a forearm to the back of BYU's Carlee Payne. Lambert and BYU's Kassidy Shumway were involved in a physical battle, but Lambert crossed the line when she tugged at Shumway's pony tail from behind and violently pulled her to the ground.
New Mexico made the suspension announcement on Friday and a statement was also released by the Mountain West Conference to endorse the move by the school.
"I am deeply and wholeheartedly regretful for my actions," said Lambert in a statement released by New Mexico. "My actions were uncalled for. I let my emotions get the best of me in a heated situation. I take full responsibility for my actions and accept any punishment felt necessary from the coaching staff and UNM administration. This is in no way indicative of my character or the soccer player that I am. I am sorry to my coaches and teammates for any and all damages I have brought upon them. I am especially sorry to BYU and the BYU women's soccer players that were personally affected by my actions. I have the utmost respect for the BYU women's soccer program and its players."
Payne's goal on an assist from Shumway was the only score of the game, which incredibly had just one yellow card. That was on Lambert in the 77th minute for tripping a BYU player who was dribbling to the goal. That same BYU player was on the ground and had the ball kicked into her face by another New Mexico player.
"Liz is a quality student-athlete, but in this instance her actions clearly crossed the line of fair play and good sportsmanship," said New Mexico women's soccer coach Kit Vela.
"Liz's conduct on the field against BYU was completely inappropriate," said UNM vice president for athletics Paul Krebs. "There is no way to defend her actions."
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