Nov. 30, 2012
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – After receiving numerous academic postseason awards, the University of New Mexico men’s soccer team is now beginning to receive accolades for their work on the pitch. Freshman midfielder Ben McKendry was named a Second Team All-Freshmen by College Soccer News. It’s the second award McKendry has received after being named Newcomer of the Year in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.
McKendry made an immediate impact in the 2012 season for New Mexico. He appeared in all 22 matches for the Lobos starting in 14 of them including the final 13 matches of the season. The Vancouver, British Columbia native tallied seven goals and two assists in his first season in the cherry and silver.
The Canadian’s seven goals are the most by a New Mexico freshman since the late Ben Ashwill scored twelve goals as a freshman in 2002. His scoring output was third on the team and among the top 15 in the nation for freshmen.
McKendry and the rest of the Lobos finished the 2012 season in the Sweet 16 of their ninth NCAA Tournament appearance in eleven seasons. UNM’s Sweet 16 appearance was their fourth all-time and their second-consecutive NCAA Third Round appearance. Their 17-4-1 final record helped tie the program’s record for most wins in a two-year span. The 2011 and 2012 Lobos combined to win 35 matches, which ties the mark set by the 2004 and 2005 seasons.