Aug. 8, 2012
“Today is a big day. The team picture kind of kicks things off. We’ve got an exciting group of guys, great leadership and it’s a pleasure to just be around them. So I’m excited to get out on the field, definitely get going and play someone else.”
Those words from Head Coach Jeremy Fishbein were the ceremonial beginning to the 2012 season as the Lobos hosted the media during their 2012 Media Day. Coach Fishbein and company played host to television and print media from around the community as the team prepared for their official start to the season.
Coming off a historic season that saw the silver & cherry complete the program’s first- ever undefeated season (18-0-4), the expectations for this year’s team are certainly there. Those expectations are even higher as the Lobos return nine starters and a wealth of depth from a year ago.
“Obviously we have high expectations after last year. I think our team goals should be, and as does the rest of the team, to take it one game at a time. Our goal is to win every game and push past the Sweet 16 this year,” said forward Blake Smith.
The team will be at full-speed from the moment go as they face two NCAA Tournament-caliber teams in Cal State Northridge and San Diego State in the exhibition season before opening the season on the road against one of the nation’s traditional powers in UCLA. Big tests that early in the season are exactly what the program loves to see in their schedule.
“When you have a mature, hungry team like we have, I think we are at our best early season,” noted Coach Fishbein.
The excitement continued to build throughout the day. During the press conference itself, the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) would release their preseason polls. The Lobos placed sixth in the country in the NSCAA rankings to open the season.
In addition to the high-profile season opener at UCLA, the Lobos will test their might throughout the non-conference portion of the 2012 schedule. The Bruins are one of seven of UNM’s non-conference opponents who qualified for the NCAA Tournament the year before.
Team unity was something hit on by Coach Fishbein, Blake Smith, Devon Sandoval and Victor Rodriguez who all spoke during the day’s event. That unity helped propel them towards history last season, and it’s what they know will help them achieve their goals for this year.
One game at a time…