Nov. 3, 2006
The 11th-ranked University of New Mexico men’s soccer team scored a 1-0 win over Air Force tonight at the UNM Soccer Complex, setting up Sunday’s match for the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation title against No. 21 Denver at the UNM Soccer Complex. The Pioneers were shocked 2-0 this evening by previously winless UNLV in Las Vegas, Nev. New Mexico improves to 12-3-3 on the season and 7-1-1 in MPSF action.
New Mexico had a tough fight with the Falcons (4-12-1, 3-6-0 MPSF) tonight with each team being whistled for three yellow cards. New Mexico committed 19 fouls compared to 16 by the Falcons. The first 20 minutes were back and forth with neither team able to gain control of play. It took a move out of the back field for UNM to get on the board.
Freshman Stephen Brown made a run from his own side of the field in the 26th minute, Finding sophomore Jack Smithson in the middle. Smithson fed the ball out wide to senior Lars Loeseth down the left side behind Air Force’s defense. Loeseth sent a cross to the middle finding sophomore Mike Porter at the top of the box. Porter took a touch and buried his first career goal in the back of the net for the 1-0 lead. It was the second assist on the year for Loeseth and Smithson.
“It was a great build-up,” stated Porter. “Brown played a good ball to Jack who got it to Lars on the left. Lars gave me a perfect pass, all I had to do was take a touch and shoot it. It is always exciting to score, it doesn’t matter if it is your first goal or your 10th goal. In front of this crowd, it is always exciting to score.”
Both teams had opportunities in the first half. Falcon defender Jason Dall hit the post on a header off a corner kick in the 36th minute, while Lobo defender Andrew Boyens hit the cross bar on a header in the 44th minute. Despite putting six more shots on goal in the match, UNM was unable to get another score. However, the Lobo defense recorded its ninth shutout of the season, dropping its league leading goal-against-average to 0.58 per game.
Junior keeper Mike Graczyk recorded his 22nd career shutout. He is now three shy of Andrew Weber’s (2001-04) school record of 25. He also logged his 29th win between the pipes, tying Greg Hess (1994-97) for fourth place all-time at UNM.
“It was good to get a win even though I thought we played tight,” stated UNM head coach Jeremy Fishbein. “I thought we played more not to lose than to win. I think we had Sunday’s game in the back of our minds. Now we’ve really got Sunday’s game to worry about.”
The Lobos must win Sunday’s match with Denver to claim their third straight MPSF title. A loss or tie would give the conference crown and automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament to the Pioneers. Denver currently sits at 11-4-2 and 7-1-1 in MPSF action. However, the Pioneers hold the second tie-breaker – goal differential in conference play – over the Lobos.
Game time is set for 1:00 p.m. (M.S.T.) at the UNM Soccer Complex. Sunday’s game is also senior day for UNM with Loeseth and Boyens being honored before the game. Unfortunately for UNM, Boyens received his fifth yellow of the season in tonight’s match and the 2006 Hermann Trophy Candidate will not be available for the game against Denver.