Aug. 16, 2008
2008 Season Outlook | Keepers | Defenders | Midfielders
Men’s Soccer Moment in UNM History from The Mtn.
Olympic Sports Pass Season Ticket Information
American Cancer Society and Lobo Soccer to Team Up for Notre Dame Exhibition
by Matt Cherrin
Just like the midfield, a number of Lobos could see time up top for New Mexico, especially if the Lobos move from their traditional 4-4-2 lineup to a 4-3-3 formation. UNM head coach Jeremy Fishbein has hinted at changing his usual formation based on his personnel in 2008. However, two returners top the list of potential candidates for the forward spots. Senior Chris Wright and junior P.J. Wilson will be the primary tools the Lobos use to put the ball in the net.
Wright is a 6-5 target forward who was the 2007 MPSF Player of the Year. He led the league and was 19th in the nation in scoring with 28 points on 12 goals and four assists in 2007. His 20 career goals is currently tied for seventh all-time at UNM. The two-time ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American also has six multi-goal games in his career.
Wright has been anxious for the season to start, and this year he came into spring training with a different attitude. “This year I have a different mentality than the past couple of seasons,” Wright said. “Its more of a focused and determined thought process. I feel calm and confident. As a unit, everyone’s attitude is great and there has been a lot of intensity during practices.”
“Chris is a leader and one of the hardest workers on the team,” stated Fishbein. “As long as he doesn’t put too much pressure on himself and we can get him the ball in the right spots, he will have a great season.”
Wilson scored five goals as a sophomore and was fourth on the team in scoring last season. He has shown flashes of greatness in his first two seasons that the former Indiana High School Player of Year displayed during his All-American prep career. However, the Lobos will need Wilson to be more of a consistent scorer as he enters the second half of his New Mexico career.
Junior P.J. Wilson scored five goals last season. |
“We are going to need P.J. to step up to his potential this season,” stated Fishbein. “He played great soccer at times last year, but we need him to be a threat each and every game. I think he is ready for that challenge.”
Wright said that if there is one word to describe his team, it would be “Determined.” “This year our attitude and cohisiveness as a team has changed,” he said. “It’s time we live up to our potential because we have a lot of talent this year.”
Juniors Stephen Brown and Justin Davis could move up in the attack from the midfield. Senior Jack Smithson has seen time as a forward during his career. Throw in any one of the Lobo newcomers and Fishbein will have a number of options for Wright and Wilson’s backups.
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.
Matt Cherrin is a senior in UNM’s Department of Communication & Journalism. He will be covering Lobo men’s soccer throughout the 2008 season.