Aug. 13, 2008
2008 Season Outlook
Lobos Enter Training Camp Ranked No. 19 in the Nation
Olympic Sports Pass Season Ticket Information
American Cancer Society and Lobo Soccer to Team Up for Notre Dame Exhibition
Over the last seven years, the goalkeeper position has been the easiest for New Mexico to pencil in prior to the beginning of each season. Andrew Weber (2001-04) patrolled the pitch between the pipes for four years, setting school records in games played (83), minutes played (7,681), wins (50) and saves (350). Following Weber’s tenure was three-year starter Mike Graczyk (2004-07). Graczyk holds UNM records for career goals-against-average (0.68) and shutouts (30). This season the Lobos have four keepers vying for the starting job, including sophomores Justin Fite and Eric Staver and freshmen Justin Holmes and Victor Rodriguez.
“The only question we really have on the field is the keeper position,” stated UNM head coach Jeremy Fishbein. “We have been solid there for so long, and now it is time for one of the new guys to step up. We are going to have to rely on untested players, but there is some strong talent to work with.”
Staver is the only one of the four who has seen the field in a Division I regular season game. He logged 75 minutes in two matches last season. Both Fite and Staver are in their third season with the program. Staver entered spring action as the starting keeper but a shoulder injury kept him off the field.
“I am almost 100% healthy and am very excited about the upcoming season,” stated Staver. “With (juniors Zach) Tierney and Simon (Ejdemyr) in front of us we have a great defense. Myself and Fite return and we brought in two freshmen keepers so competition for playing time will be tough.”
Fite stepped up and played every minute in goal in the Lobos’ six spring matches. He posted shutouts over Air Force, Fort Lewis and at Duke, while only allowing only one goal against collegiate competition. The only score Fite allowed against a collegiate team was in a 1-1 tie at defending NCAA Champion Wake Forest.
“Staver and I have been fighting for the same spot the last two seasons,” said Fite. “He is doing real well coming off his shoulder injury and I gained a lot of confidence playing in all of the Spring games. Both Victor and Justin are coming off excellent high school careers, so it is going to be real competitive. We are all going to push each other and I think you will see one of the best goalkeeping corps in the country.”
“Staver had a very good fall for us and going into the spring was the leading candidate for the job,” said Fishbein. “Unfortunately he had to have minor surgery on his shoulder and missed the spring games. Fite was excellent in goal during spring play and the job is now his to lose.”
Sophomore Justin Fite played in all six Spring games, only allowing one goal against NCAA Competition. |
Holmes and Rodriguez come to UNM with high accolades after very successful prep careers. Holmes, a native of Elkhart, Ind., was the 2007 Northern Indiana Player of the Year, leading Elkhart Central to the state championship game each of the last two seasons. Rodriguez was a 2007 NSCAA High School All-American for Las Cruces High School in Las Cruces, N.M. The 2007 New Mexico 5A Player of the Year also led Las Cruces HS to the New Mexico 5A state title.
“We feel the two incoming keepers have incredible potential,” continued Fishbein. “It is just a matter of how quickly they adjust to the collegiate level. Both of those guys are here to challenge for playing time. We will see if they can compete for the position this year or is it going to have to wait until the following year.”
Freshman All-American and 2007 NM Player of the Year Victor Rodriguez talks about competing for the Lobo keeper position. |
The 19th-ranked Lobos and No. 3 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.
Be sure to check back on Thursday for an update on the Lobos’ talented and experienced backline.