ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Senior forward Niko Hansen of The University of New Mexico men’s soccer team has been named the National Player of the Week by College Soccer News after his impressive hat-trick performance on Saturday night at UC Irvine to help the Lobos improve to 5-2 overall. Hansen’s hat trick marked the first by a Lobo since Oct. 19, 2012.
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Hansen registered six points and netted a hat trick this week to lead the Lobos to a 3-1 victory in Irvine, Calif. He opened the scoring in just the second minute to get UNM out to an early lead before firing two more in the second half just over six minutes apart, giving the Lobos a comfortable 3-0 advantage.
On the night, Hansen posted just three shots, all on target for a 1.000 shot on goal percentage. In addition, his second goal of the game eventually marked his fourth game-winning goal of the season to keep him tied for first in the nation in the category.
Not only is Hansen ranked first in the country in game-winning goals, he is also tied for ninth in total goals (6), 13th in goals per game (0.86) and 14th in total points (13).
“I am excited and honored to have received such an award,” Hansen said. “It helps acknowledge the work and desire that I put in, but more importantly it acknowledges the work and desire we put in as a team. I would not be receiving any adulations without the push and drive of the entire team and every player, they really deserve the credit.”
As a team, the Lobos are now riding a five-win streak after dropping the first two games of the season to now-No. 1 Notre Dame and No. 3 Indiana on penalty kicks.
As of the last NCAA top-25 rankings on Sept. 13, the Lobos were receiving votes. This week, New Mexico has been ranked 25th by College Soccer News. New NCAA and NSCAA rankings are expected to come out Tuesday, Sept. 20.
New Mexico is set to return to action on Sunday, Sept. 25 at #21 Kentucky as they kick off Conference USA play. Lobo fans can watch the game live on The SEC Network/ESPN3.