Dec. 11, 2005
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The University of New Mexico men’s soccer team’s magical season ended in a 1-0 loss to Maryland in the College Cup Finals in Cary, N.C. Terp forward Marc Burch scored on a free-kick in the 31st minute to give Maryland the win.
The Lobos came out in the opening half, trying to get on the board early. Senior Lance Watson took a long throw-in from the left side that made its way into the box in the third minute. Sophomore David Gualdarama headed the ball to the middle where Rowland was waiting. Rowland got off a shot, but it was snuffed by Terp keeper Chris Seitz, keeping New Mexico off the scoreboard.
Maryland picked up the offensive pressure for the rest of the half, outshooting UNM 11-5 in the opening period. The Terps got on the board following a foul on Gualdarama, 25 yards out in the 31st minute. Maryland forward Marc Burch took the shot which deflected off the Lobo wall and past Lobo keeper Mike Graczyk for the 1-0 lead.
UNM had other opportunities in the first period, coming right back after the Terp score. Maryland defender Chris Lancos was called for a yellow card after taking down Lobo forward Blake Danaher in the 33rd minute. Rowland took the free-kick from just outside the box but Seitz came up with another save. Senior Josh Brown was there to put in the rebound for UNM, but his shot went just wide of the net.
With time winding down in the first frame, the Lobos earned their third corner of the half. Junior Lars Loeseth took the cross and sent it to Andrew Boyens. Boyens header went just over the crossbar, leaving the score at 1-0 in favor of Maryland.
The Lobos came out in the second half controlling play. The made a number of dangerous crosses and finally looked to capitalize in the 50th minute. Rowland volleyed a cross from Watson in the box and a Maryland defender got a hand on the ball, resulting in a penalty kick for the Lobos. Junior Andrew Boyens stepped up to take the shot and went low-right with his attempt. Terp keeper Chris Seitz made a diving stop and Boyens sent the rebound over the crossbar, keeping the score at 1-0.
Maryland had another chance to score later in the second half when Graczyk came off his line and tried to stop a cross. He was unable to collect the ball and UM’s Steven King found himself at the top of the box with only Lobo defender Matt Wootton to beat. King fired a rocket right at Wootton who stopped the shot with his body. The rebound came out to Terp forward Jason Garey but the shot went over the crossbar.
The Lobos tried desperately in the closing minutes to get the equalizer, pushing everyone forward in the last two minutes. However, they were not able to get one past Maryland’s defense and Seitz collected a loose ball with ten seconds left, letting the clock wind down.
The Lobos fall to 18-2-3 on the year, but end the most successful season in school history. UNM accomplished feats during the 2004 season that were unmatched by any in the program’s history. Four Academic All-Americans – Watson, Rowland, Wootton and Ben Ashwill – started for one team in a national final. Three Lobos were named All-American, including Rowland on the first team and Boyens and Watson earning third team honors. UNM had just five players earn All-American honors in its previous 22-year history.
The Lobos say goodbye to the most successful class in school history. The 2005 seniors posted an amazing 61-16-8 record, won three MPSF Titles and advanced to the NCAA Tournament three times.
Rowland will go down as one of the all-time greats to ever wear a Lobo uniform in an sport. The two-time All-American is also a 2005 Hermann Trophy Finalist and is second on the Lobos’ all-time scoring list with 104 points on 45 goals and 14 assists. The former walk-on turned star is also a two-time Academic All-American.
Senior defenders Ben Ashwill, Matt Wootton and Josh Brown ended their careers in style while New Mexico also says farwell to Brandon Moss, Ryan McVay, Erik Bagwell, Lance Watson and Cody Hanna.
The Lobos return to Albuquerque on Monday morning. They will arrive at 11:00 a.m. (M.S.T.) on Continental fight 317 at the Albuquerque Sunport.