Sept. 3, 2010
Men’s Soccer Notes vs. #5 UC Santa Barbara
LOBO TV – Highlights of UNM’s 3-2 win over #25 Saint Louis
New Mexico head men’s soccer coach Jeremy Fishbein got a big 3-2 win against #25 (Soccer America) Saint Louis in the Lobos’ season opener on Wednesday night. On Friday, Fishbein and the undefeated Lobos might have gotten an even bigger win, and they didn’t even step on the pitch, as the NCAA cleared Notre Dame transfer Matt Armstrong for play, and he will be in uniform wearing #9 for the Lobos when they face off against #5 (Soccer America) UC Santa Barbara at 7:15 pm at the UNM Soccer Complex.
Armstrong, who is a senior for the Lobos, started for Notre Dame for three seasons, playing and starting in all 66 games for the Fighting Irish, including 24 in his rookie campaign, when he was named to the Soccer America and College Soccer News All-Freshman team, and he was honorable mention All-BIG EAST.
Armstrong has a terrific club pedigree as well as he was named a National Soccer Coaches Association youth All-American in 2006, and he has played at many of the Olympic Development Tem levels since age 14. His father Les played professionally in both England and Scotland, and served as Matt’s club coach.
Armstrong’s talents just add to a talented roster that went 3-0 in the preseason including a win over #7 (NSCAA) Tulsa 3-2, and is currently sitting at 1-0-0 on the season. The addition of Armstrong is a welcomed one according to Fishbein.
“Matt has been patiently sitting on the bench waiting for his NCAA Waiver to be processed,” said Fishbein. “Matt has trained with us every day, but hasn’t seen the field in our exhibition matches against Saint Louis. He was a US Youth National Team player and a three year starter for the Irish, and is one of the best mid-fielders in the country. He will be a big boost to our team.”
The men’s team has their first six games of the season at home, including the TLC Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Lobo Invitational next weekend against Georgetown and Portland, and the Lobo Classic September 17 and 19 against Buffalo and Harvard.