Aug. 12, 2008
CollegeSoccerNews.com Preseason Top-30
NSCAA Preseason Top-25
Sporting the highest winning percentage in the nation since the start of the 2004 season (.795) with a 61-12-10 record, the University of New Mexico men’s soccer team has been ranked in the top-30 each week for the last four years. The streak continued today when the Lobos earned a No. 19 ranking on CollegeSoccerNews.com’s Preseason Top-30.
The Lobos are coming off a 12-5-2 campaign in 2007 that included their fourth consecutive Mountain Pacific Sports Federation men’s soccer title and their sixth trip to the NCAA Tournament in the last seven seasons. UNM begins fall practice on Wednesday, Aug. 13 with two-a-days on the Robertson Practice Fields. Defending NCAA Champion Wake Forest, a team the Lobos tied 1-1 on the road in Spring action, grabbed the No. 1 spot in the poll.
New Mexico will host three opponents ranked in the top-30 at the UNM Soccer Complex this season. The Lobos will take on No. 15 Notre Dame in an exhibition match on Aug. 20. UNM also hosts No. 21 Louisville on Sept. 7 and No. 18 Akron on Sept. 12.
The Lobos also received votes in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Top-25 Coaches Poll. Notre Dame was ranked No. 3 in the NSCAA Top-25 while Akron ranked 12th.
UNM and Notre Dame will strap on their shin guards and team up with the American Cancer Society to “Kick Cancer” for their pre-season exhibition game at the UNM Soccer Complex on Wednesday, August 20 at 7:00 p.m. (M.D.T.). Following the game the Lobos will be auctioning off team jerseys and other items to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Entry to this game is free but the American Cancer Society will be at the gate taking donations from Lobo fans to help the team “Kick Cancer.” Society staff and volunteers will be on hand to help answer questions and provide information on available programs, services, fundraising and volunteer opportunities.