Aug. 29, 2003
| Box Score |
The University of New Mexico men’s soccer team opened up the 2003 season with a solid win over Wisconsin. Lobo sophomore Lance Watson scored the game’s only goal in the 72nd minute of play off an assist from fellow sophomore Ryan McVay. The 22nd-ranked Lobos (1-0-0) scored their second-consecutive season-opening win and evened their record to 2-2-0 all-time against Wisconsin.
“It was a good start for us against a quality team,” stated head coach Jeremy Fishbein. The Badgers (0-1-0) finished last season tied for second place in the Big Ten. “We didn’t play our best game but were still able to get the win, and that is the characteristic of a good team.”
Watson was the second leading returning scorer from the Lobos’ 2002 season. Last year he scored four goals and added a team-high eight assists. “McVay came down the right side and fed me the ball,” said Watson. “I got a one-on-one with the keeper and he came out, so I just chipped it over him.”
The Lobo defense had a solid outing, even without regular starter Brandon Moss. The All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation sophomore had to sit out this game due to the red-card he received in the Lobos’ final game of 2002 against Saint Louis. Junior keeper Andrew Weber recorded his 12th career shutout. He currently ranks fourth in UNM history in that category, just one behind Dana Rogge (`87).
“It’s good to get started with a win,” stated Watson. We didn’t play a great game but we got the win. We’re going to see if we can go out and do it again on Sunday.”
The Lobos will have a tough test in Madison, Wisc. against No. 18 Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Sunday. Game time is set for 11:00 a.m. (M.D.T.). The Lobos return home for their season opener in the TLC Plumbing and Utilities Invitational against IUPUI on Friday, September 5 at 7:30 p.m. (M.D.T.) at the UNM Soccer Complex.