Feb. 2, 2011
By Richard Stevens — Senior Writer/GoLobos.com
If you took a handful of darts and aimed at a map of the world, even an errant toss or two might hit lands from which New Mexico men’s soccer coach, Jeremy Fishbein, pulled out his latest batch of future Lobos.
Of course, it’s never a bad idea to take a bead on New Mexico soil when it comes to this outstanding program that always tries to land the best of the best from the Land Of Enchantment – and beyond.
Fishbein, Associate Head Coach Paul Souders and assistants Brandon Moss, and Chris Cartlidge landed two of Albuquerque’s top soccer players — Nick Miele of St. Pius X and Josh Dye of La Cueva High — to go along with a pair of exotic catches in Nicklas Savolainen of Sweden and Sam Carmichael of Australia.
After that, any errant throws don’t have to drift far from New Mexico as Casey Phillips of Tempe, Ariz., and a pair of stars off Colorado soil — Dustin Berg and James Rogers — also have signed National Letters of Intent to be Lobos.
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“We are real excited about this class of young men,” said Fishbein, who has help guide his Lobos to NCAA postseason play in eight of the past ten seasons. “They will be excellent representatives of the University of New Mexico in the classroom, community and on the playing field.
“These young men display tremendous character as young men, and outstanding skills and drive as athletes. Each will make significant contributions to the Lobo program.”
A program with a base as solid as Fishbein’s Lobo program needs to recruit at a high level. But if the reloading process at the freshman level is outstanding, a program like New Mexico doesn’t skip a beat when seniors leave.
The resumes of Fishbein’s seven future Lobos are eye-openers. Dye and Miele were multi state champs on both the high school and club level and both were named to ESPN RISE Starting 11 for the West region. The other five members of Fishbein’s recruiting class have international experience and/or exposure with the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) Development Academy.
“Our coaches Paul (Souders), Brandon (Moss), and Chris (Cartlidge) worked incredibly hard to bring these young men into our program,” said Fishbein. “We always want to identify and sign the top talent in our state, but our recruiting sights have no borders.”
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There haven’t been too many borders in outlining the success of Miele and Dye on both the club and high school level. Miele helped the St. Pius X Sartans to Class 4A crowns in 2007 and 2008. Dye was a force in aiding the La Cueva Bears to Class 5A titles in 2008 and 2009.Miele and Dye might have been separated by schools and class 4A-5A distinctions in high school, but they were able to merge their talents as teammates on the Classic FC Gladiators, coached by Gabe Nossier.
“Miele and Dye have pedigree backgrounds,” said Fishbein. “They have outstanding foundations of soccer, as their high school and club coaches have prepared them well for the challenges of the D-I level and the challenges of Lobo soccer.
“Nick is a winner both on and off the field. He’s a leader, a warrior, and he possesses all the characteristics that we are looking for in a Lobo soccer player. Nick knows what it will take to be successful. His high school head coach Mike Straiti was a standout Lobo soccer player. Nick’s club coach is Gabe Nossier, who is one of the finest technical and tactical coaches in the region.
Sam Carmichael |
“Josh is an incredibly well-rounded young man,” Fishbein said of Dye. “He strives for excellence in the classroom and the playing field. He will be a wonderful ambassador for the Lobos. His technical ability and vision are unmatched. He will be a tough match physically in the midfield. He also received great coaching at the high-school level from Kevin Driggs at La Cueva.”I also think both these players were fortunate to play under coach Nossier with the Gladiators. They already have experienced soccer and coaching at a high level.”
One of the plusses for Fishbein’s program, and a reason for UNM’s attraction at the gate, is the appeal that comes from watching a New Mexico team full of New Mexico athletes. The addition of Miele and Dye will give UNM 10 Lobos from New Mexico on the 2011-12 roster. UNM was No. 7 in attendance nationally this past season and was the No. 3 collegiate draw West of the Mississippi.
Nicklas Savolainen |
While the local flavor of Dye and Miele will certainly gain a lion’s share of attention from local fans, the rest of the class should set up Fishbein and his Lobo crew for another run at a Mountain Pacific Sports Federation title and a ninth NCAA tournament berth in the past 11 seasons.
Carmichael is officially part of UNM’s 2011 signing class, but the talented Australian got a head start on the other first-year Lobos by enrolling in UNM early. He is participating in the Lobos’ winter workouts and getting acclimated to both UNM`s classroom demands and the New Mexico elevation.
UNM has had considerable success with international talent and Carmichael should keep that string alive. He was named the “2010 Sportsperson of the Year” at the Hallett Cove School in Adelaide, Australia. His experience should prove invaluable with time spent with Cumberland United FC’s senior squad in the South Australian Super League and International matches with South Australia’s under-18 squad.
“Sam has been with us for two weeks now and is a great addition to our program,” said Fishbein. “He is a disciplined, hard-working individual, who is adapting to a new culture and a new style of play. Sam is a natural left-footed player, who can play centrally or on the flank. He is well-prepared for the fast and physical play of collegiate soccer.”
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Fishbein had tremendous success with Swedish student-athletes Johan Bergstrom and 2009 CoSIDA Academic All-American of The Year, Simon Edjemyr. The Lobos are tapping into those Scandinavia connections with Savolainen, who like Edjemyr, comes from Boras, Sweden.Savolainen brings vast experience to the Lobos having played senior football for Byttorp and Norrby. As a youth, he played for Elfsborg of the Swedish Premier League, the same club as Edjemyr.
“Nicklas is a mature player having played at an extremely competitive level in Sweden,” said Fishbein. “He has excelled with every club that he has been with, and I feel his best soccer is still ahead of him. I’m confident he will be a real force for us in the center of the park.”The Lobos also landed some top-notch regional talent in the trio of Dustin Berg, Casey Phillips, and James Rogers. All three players are currently playing in the USSF Development Academy, which is the elite level of youth soccer in the United States.
Berg starred for Real Colorado and Douglas County High and was featured in a spring cover story in “ESPN RISE” magazine. Dustin was the Continental League’s Player of the Year for 2010, was a two-time Class 5A All-State pick, including a First-Team nod as a senior.
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“Dustin is a player that our entire coaching staff really fell in love with when we saw his passion for the game which was matched by his tenacity on the field,” said Fishbein. “He is very skillful, has exceptional touch, and can play on either flank. He has really developed physically this past year, and he will quickly be ready to contribute to our team.”
Phillips helped Corona Del Sol High (Tempe) to the Arizona 2010 state title as a junior, while earning First Team All-Central Region honors. Phillips currently plays for the U-18 USSF Development Academy team of MLS Real Salt Lake. Phillips was a five-year member of the Arizona ODP (Olympic Development Program) and attended the ODP Region IV Camp in 2005, 2007 and 2008.
“We first saw Casey a year ago and saw great promise in him,” said Fishbein. “He then followed up by coming to our camp last summer and showed continued development in his game. His blue-collar work ethic and his competitiveness will allow him to fill a much-needed role in our program.”
Fishbein said Phillips’ club experience has accelerated his growth as a player. “This year he joined the residential program for MLS Real Salt Lake and has continued to make rapid gains,” said the Lobo coach. “Casey brings quickness, a deadly left foot, and excellent field vision to our program. I expect big things from Casey.”
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Rogers is another Lobo recruit with Real Salt Lake experience. He won the MLS SUM Cup (Youth) Golden Boot award in 2008, and traveled to Spain with the MLS club in 2009. Rogers was an Academic All-State pick in 2009, while playing for Poudre High (Fort Collins, Colo.). Rogers is currently a member of the USSF Development Academy’s U-18 MLS Colorado Rapids. Rogers also played for the Region IV ODP team from 2006 to 2008.
“James is one of the top forwards entering the college ranks next season,” said Fishbein. “He has scored goals at every level, and he has a burning desire to win every time he steps onto the field. He brings a tremendous finishing ability, power and quickness to our team. James will strike fear in every defense he faces.”
The Lobos’ 2011 schedule is similar to every schedule Fishbein tries to place in front of his Lobos. He looks to play the best. UNM faced seven ranked teams in 2010, which came in handy when the NCAA Selection Committee was looking for at-large teams to fill the 2010 College Cup bracket. Fishbein plans a similar schedule to test his Lobos in the fall of 2011, highlighted by defending national champion Akron .
“This seven-member class addresses all of our immediate needs,” said Fishbein. “These players will complement the values and mission of our program, and will give us depth across the field. Individually, they all have the talent, the drive and the passion to impact our team.”
New Mexico Men’s Soccer’s 2011 Recruiting Class
| Name | HT/WT | Position | Hometowm/High School |
| Josh Dye | 6-2 / 180 | Midfield | Albuquerque, N.M. / La Cueva HS |
| Nick Miele | 6-4 / 190 | Defense | Albuquerque, N.M. / St. Pius X HS |
| Sam Carmichael | 6-0 / 175 | Midfield/Defense | Adelaide, Australia / Hallett Cove HS |
| Nicklas Savolainen | 6-2 / 185 | Midfield/Defense | Boras, Sweden / Sven Eriksonsgymasiet HS |
| Dustin Berg | 5-9 / 160 | Midfield/Defense | Castle Rock, Colo. / Douglas County HS |
| Casey Phillips | 5-11 / 165 | Defense | Tempe, Ariz. / Corona Del Sol HS |
| James Rogers | 5-8 / 150 | Forward | Fort Collins, Colo. / Poudre High |
Dustin Berg – Castle Rock, Colo. – Midfield/Defense – 5-9 /160 – Douglas County HS
Berg was a four-year starter at Douglas County High … Team captain as senior … Named First Team All-Colorado and Continental League Player of The Year as a senior … Was all-conference four times, including first-team honors as a junior and senior … Was on the cover ofESPN RISE in October of 2010 … Was honorable mention All-State pick as a junior … Played on Region IV Team in at the Disney Showcase SuperGroup Division … Region IV ’93 Boys Pool Player 2007 & 2008 … ’93 Boys Colorado State ODP Player 2006, 2007, 2008 and ’93 Boys Region IV … Attended U.S. National Camp for ’93 Boys in Boston 2006 … Won CSYSALeague championships in the fall and spring seasons in 2006, 2007, 2008 as well as Colorado State Cup championships in 2005, 2006, 2007 … Played club soccer for Real Colorado 2003-to present … Played 2009-2011 with Real Colorado USSF Development Academy … Berg’s parents are Tom and Beverly Berg … Born July 25, 1993 … Major: criminology.
Sam Carmichael – Adelaide, Australia – Midfield/Defense – 6-0 / 175 – Hallett Cove HS
Carmichael was Sportsperson of The Year at Hallett Cove in Australia … Served as house captain … Played for Cumberland United FC in the South Australian Super League … Played for South Australia U-18s in Japan … Member of South Australian Schoolboy Team … Member of Adelaide Galaxy U-19s and U-23s, winning MVP honors for U-19s in 2008 … Played for Cumberland United FC U-8 through U-15 from 1999-2007, winning three MVP awards … Carmichael’s parents are Nick and Kay Carmichael … Has a brother, Jake … Born June 22, 1992 … Major: international business.
Josh Dye – Albuquerque – Midfield – 6-2 / 180 – La Cueva High
Dye was a four-year starter at Albuquerque’s La Cueva High, where he helped the Bears to a pair of state championships … Named All-State, All-Metro, and Academic All-State … Played club ball for Classic FC Gladiators, where he helped his squad to six New Mexico state titles … Gladiators went to the regional finals in 2009 and 2010, winning Far West Regional League (FWRL) championship in 2009 … Gladiators won Disney Showcase championship in 2008 and2009 … Dye’s parents are John and Nancy Dye … Born Nov. 16, 1992 … Major: electrical engineering.
Nick Miele – Albuquerque – Defender – 6-4 / 190 – St. Pius X High
Miele was a four-year letterman at St. Pius X … Sartan captain as junior and senior … Helped St. Pius X to state titles in 2007 and 2008 … First Team All-State as a senior; Second Team All-State as junior … Three-time All-District pick in 2008, 2009, and 2010 … Named First Team All-Metro as a junior and senior … Won academic honors as both a sophomore and senior … Played club ball for Classic FC Gladiators, where he helped his squad to six New Mexico state titles … Gladiators went to the regional finals in 2009 and 2010, winning Far West Region League championship in 2009 … Gladiators won the Disney Showcase championship in 2008 and 2009 … Gladiators’ team captain … Miele’s parents are Dan and Jeannie Miele … Born Dec. 22, 1992 … Major: biology.
Casey Phillips – Tempe, Ariz., — Defender – 5-11 / 165 – Corona Del Sol High
Phillips was a two-year starter at Corona Del Sol High where he led team to state title in 2010 as a junior … First Team All-Central Region in 2010 … Coaches All-5A Second Team, All-Tribune Honorable Mention and Tempe All-City … Played in Portugal at the Sporting Lisbon Invitational camp in 2008 … Arizona ODP Player from 2004-2009 … Attended ODP Region IV Camp, 2005, 2007, 2008 .. Currently plays club soccer for U-18 Real Salt Lake academy, which is a member of the USSF Development Academy … Phillips parents are Daniel and Kim Phillips … Sister, Stephanie, was Grand Canyon University’s Newcomer of The Year for women’s soccer in 2010 as a goalkeeper … Born July 10, 1992 … Major: business.
James Rogers – Fort Collins, Colo., — Forward – 5-8 / 150 — Poudre High
Rogers played prep soccer at Highland High in Salt Lake City for two season before moving to Poudre High in Fort Collins … USSF Development Academy Program player for MLS Colorado Rapids 2009-2011 … MLS SUM Cup (Youth) 2008 Golden Boot playing for MLS Real Salt Lake … In 2009, traveled to Spain with MLS Real Salt Lake SUM Cup Team … Member of the Region IV ODP Team 2006-2008 … Born in Sierra Leone and moved to Salt Lake City in 2004 … Academic All-State in 2009 at Poudre High … Rogers’ guardians are Thomas Thompson and Toni Marie Sutliff … Born July 27, 1993 … Major: business.
Nicklas Savolainen – Boras, Sweden – Midfield/Defense – 6-2 / 185 – Sven Eriksonsgymasiet (High)
Savolainen began his soccer career for Byttorp FC before moving on to play for Elfsborg of the Swedish Premier Division .. At 18, returned to Byttorp and currently plays for Norrby FC … While with Byttorp was named Player of the Year, … Named Rookie of the Year with Norrby. … Savolainen’s parents are Lasse Savolainen and Cathrine Andersson … Has two sisters, Helena and Hanna … Born Feb. 12, 1991 … Major: pre-medicine.