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February, 12, 2015
LOBO FAITHFUL:
Hope your 2015 is off to a TREMENDOUS START! Our staff and players had a very reflective and rejuvenating Holiday Break……ready to “GET TO WORK”. The boys have been working passionately since the opening day of classes: we are five weeks in, training seven sessions per week. I want to update you on what ourSENIORS PLANS ARE MCKENDRY,SUCCESS IN THE CLASSROOM,ON-FIELD ACCOLADESand theEXCITING RECRUITING CLASSwe have joining the program.
We graduated six seniors and each have very exciting futures (Ben McKendry too):
–Oniel Fisherwas drafted by the MLS Seattle Sounders and is currently in pre-season camp. Click here for article.
–James Rogerswas drafted by MLS Sporting Kansas City and is currently in pre-season camp. Click here for article.
James was also a national semi-finalized for the prestigious Wooden Citizenship Cup. Click here for article.
–Nick Mielewas invited into pre-season camp by the MLS Chicago Fire and is currently training with the team in England. Click here for article.
–Riley McGovernhas signed a USL Pro contract with the Real Monarchs SLC, the affiliate of MLS Real Salt Lake.
–Mattie Gibbonshas accepted a very challenging sales position with H10 Capital in Seattle starting mid-May. Welcome to the real world!
–Patrick Pobletehas accepted a position with the Peace Corps in Ethiopia starting this summer andhas recently been invited into pre-season camp with MLS Real Salt Lake.
–Ben McKendryhas decided to forego his final year of eligibility and has signed a guaranteed two-year contract with the MLS Vancouver Whitecaps. Tough loss for the program, but an incredible opportunity for Ben. Click here for article.
The boys excelled in the classroom this fall:Our team grade point average was a 3.44 (out of 4.00), with the highest team gpa of all the Lobo fall men’s teams. Our team received the prestigious NSCAA Team Academic Award. Click here for article.
Three players were named NSCAA Scholar All-Americans:Nick MieleandChris Wehanwere named to the first team andJames Rogerswas named to the second team.We were the only program in the country to have two first team selections. Click here for article.
Josh Dyewas named a CoSIDA Academic All-American. Click here for article.
Six players were named to All-Conference teams:Wehan andMcKendry to the first team,Miele,GibbonsandRogers to the second team andNiko Hansento the third team. Click here for article.
Fourplayers were named to the NSCAA All-Region Team:Wehan to the first team andGibbons,RogersandMcKendry to the second team. Click here for article.
James RogersandOniel Fisherwere invited to the MLS Combine and both were drafted by MLS Clubs.
We are really excited about the six student/athletes who will be joining our program for the upcoming season:Brazilian,Yuri Domiciano, gets a head start, enrolling at UNM this January after a sensational two-year career at Iowa Western Community College. Yuri was named a first team Scholar All-American and a first team Junior College All-American this past season.Andy Riosjoins us from Houston, Texas and the MLS Houston Dynamo Academy.Devin Boycejoins us from St. Louis, Missouri and the Scott Gallagher Academy Program.Aaron Herrerafrom Las Cruces, New Mexico has been playing for the MLS Real Salt Lake Academy the past three years and recently was invited into training camp with the US U-18 National Team.Kasper Kajermojoins us from Stockholm, Sweden and Professional Club Hammerby IF.Simon Spangenbergjoins the Lobos from Brussels, Belgium and Professional Club Waasland-Beveren. This is a dynamic, academic and wonderful group. You are really going to enjoy our incoming class of players. Click here for article.
A lot of information to digest. I will keep you posted as we head into our spring season. Our first match will be vs USL Pro Club, Arizona United, March 7th in Phoenix, Arizona. Thanks for all your support. GO LOBOS!
FISH
November 21, 2014
Lobo Faithful:
The sun is shining, the air is crisp…beautiful mountains to the east of us….life is good….trying to see the bright side of a very challenging season and the disappointment of not being selected for the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2008. Humbling, frustrating, disappointing, sleepless nights, questioning of oneself, a lot of reflection…..what if I/we had done this or done that? We finished the regular season with a record of 11-5-1, #22 national ranking by the NSCAA and a RPI of 30. Very good numbers considering our up and down conference results. The goal going into the season was 13 regular season wins. In retrospect, achievable and at a minimum, what we should have accomplished. Several brief moments, both offensively and defensively, defined our season. With this record, we entered the Conference Tournament on the bubble. A first round win would ensure an at-large NCAA birth and a loss would put our fate in the hands of others. A very disappointing 1-2 loss to Old Dominion on their home field, sealed our fate (our final RPI 34). We were without the services of Ben McKendry (punctured lung in final regular season match vs South Carolina) and captain, Mattie Gibbons, who couldn’t make it to the game due to severe flu-like symptoms the morning of the match. Despite being down two key starters, we scored the first goal of the game and played quality soccer. The loss, coupled with some key upsets in conference tournaments (very low seeds received automatic NCAA bids), put us out of the NCAA Tournament. I think we were the next team in. We have only ourselves to blame!
Old Dominion Conference Tournament Match Recap: click here
Not sure if you’ve watched any episodes of “Fish Off The Pitch”. I put my heart and soul out for all to see in the final episode and I think it gives a good perspective and re-cap of the season. Don’t be alarmed by the beginning, make sure to watch it through. 11 minutes and it’s tough for me to see myself being so transparent. Have a look and you will get a good feel for the team and for me.
“Fish Off The Pitch” : click here
Individual honors are still coming in and I will keep you posted. The following two releases are from Conference-USA.
Conference-USA All-Conference Teams: click here
Conference-USA Academic All-Conference: click here
If you want to follow the NCAA Tournament, here is the interactive bracket with updated results. Tough to follow!
2014 NCAA Tournament Bracket: click here
Thanks for your incredible support all season long and I wish we were still playing for all of you. Some important lessons were learned and we will continue to strive for EXCELLENCE in everything we do. Our six seniors will be missed and all have made a tremendous impact on our program. Patrick Poblete, Riley McGovern, Mattie Gibbons, James Rogers, Oniel Fisher and Nick Miele are on their way to great things! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I will be in close contact.GO LOBOS!
FISH
November, 11, 2014
Lobo Faithful:
The 2014 regular season is now one for the record books. I’m real proud of the teams inspired performance Friday night and the manner in which our six seniors carried themselves in their final regular season match wearing a Lobo jersey. Oniel Fisher, Nick Miele, Riley McGovern, Patrick Poblete, Mattie Gibbons and James Rogers have been phenomenal members of our program and each have impacted their teammates and the community in myriad ways. We always speak to our players about their legacy and how they want to be remembered. Each of these six have been incredibly successful off and on the playing field and will live exciting and impactful lives. Lets not talk too much about them just yet, still a lot more to come this year from all six!
Friday nights match vs South Carolina was challenging on many levels. Senior Night is very emotional for everyone. The more time you spend recognizing the seniors, the more distractions you create. This was a big game and we needed to be at our best. The boys came out focused and we took care of business!
South Carolina Recap: click here
We depart early Tuesday morning for Norfolk, Virginia and the Conference-USA Tournament hosted by Old Dominion University. We open play Wednesday night at 5:00 pm Mountain vs the host Monarchs. This will be an extremely tough match vs a quality opponent. Really looking forward to this one!
Conference-USA Tournament Central Link: click here
With a record of 11-5-1, we can’t rest easy. Getting into the NCAA Tournament isn’t a given. We need to be good Wednesday night.
NCAA Division I Selection Announcement/Bracket streamed live Monday, November 17th at 11:00 Mountain Time atNCAA.com
We just shot our”Tournament Edition”of”Fish Off The Pitch.” Episode #12 should be up and running this evening. Right from the training field to the studio.
Fish Off The Pitch “Tournament Edition”: click here
We’re ready for the second season and can’t thank you enough for your support. The links above should keep you up to date with what lies ahead. I love this team!
FISH
November 5, 2014
Lobo Faithful:
The season is like a carnival ride and the past two and a half weeks have been a roller coaster. Flying high, flying low…with all kinds of twists, turns and unexpected events. Great teams deal with adversity and I think we are a great team….everything still to play for! Our past two matches haven’t gone our way. Attractive soccer, dominant statistically, but the scoreboard shows otherwise. Trust me, I have wracked my brain and have thought way too much into the wee hours of the night. To simplify things: we haven’t been taking our chances, we have had brief defensive miscues which have been exploited and the bounces haven’t gone our way. A team makes its own breaks and I am confident our best soccer is still ahead of us….it has to be in order to achieve our goals. Here’s where we stand: 10-5-1 on the season, #25 in country, #35 in the NCAA RPI and a guaranteed two games ahead (regular season finale at home this Friday night vs South Carolina and the Conference-USA Tournament Quarterfinal on Wednesday, November 12th in Norfolk, Virginia). The boys have responded to the challenge and training has been excellent. I am excited to see our six seniors play out their final regular season match this weekend and we are in charge of our own destiny. Below are the re-caps of our last two matches:
UAB Recap: click here
Marshall Recap: click here
Season Awards are starting to be announced and four Lobos have been named to theCoSIDA Academic All-District Teamand will move on for consideration for CoSIDA All-America Academic Honors. Josh Dye, Niko Hansen, Nick Miele and Chris Wehan were all namedCoSIDA Academic All-District. Click here to read about it.
Episode #11 of”Fish Off the Pitch”filmed yesterday. Player guest Mattie Gibbons demonstrated why he is such a special captain. Watch the episode here.
We need everyones energy this Friday night at 7:00 pm as we face off against the University of South Carolina Gamecocks at the UNM Soccer Complex. This will be the final regular season match for our six seniors: Mattie Gibbons, Nick Miele, James Rogers, Riley McGovern, Patrick Poblete and Oniel Fisher.
LOBOS VS SOUTH CAROLINA: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH
7:00 PMLOBO SOCCER COMPLEX
Thanks for your continued support and see you Friday night. GO LOBOS!
FISH
October 27, 2014
Lobo Faithful:
The mark of a mature and disciplined team, is the ability to bounce back from a disappointing performance. Lobo Soccer strives to be a “GREAT TEAM”. I’m keeping this “Faithful” report short, as we have a quick turn around, departing tomorrow morning for an all important match vs the University of Alabama Birmingham Wednesday night. I was very proud of our teams performance Saturday night vs the Old Dominion Monarchs. ODU came into the match caring a three game win streak and a record of 7-4-1. A tough and well-coached team, with a lengthy NCAA Tournament history. We were outstanding on the night! Two great goals from Chris Wehan, excellent attacking play from Kevin Correa and Josh Goss (Correa assist to Goss for goal #3) and dynamic attacking play from Rogers, Fisher, Gleadle and Hansen. Dye very steady in the center of the park (he’s been a rock all season long) and outstanding play from McKendry. Our back four dominant with tremendous minutes from Nick Rochowski and GK Poblete. Miele, Gurule, Gibbons and McGovern very comfortable maintaining the clean sheet. 4-0 win over a quality Old Dominion team. We came out with energy and purpose…..the boys were not to be denied. The stats were impressive:20-4 shots, 8-2 corners, GK one save, 13 fouls to 17 (more than we wanted, but we battled), played 5 off the bench, 2550 in the stands…..great night for everyone!
Old Dominion Recap with highlights: click here
We are filming “Fish Off the Pitch” episode #10 late this afternoon with freshman attacker and first time guest, Sam Gleadle. Sam has quite a bit to him, don’t miss this one! The episode will post Wednesday afternoon.
“Fish Off the Pitch” with Sam Gleadle: click here
We depart Tuesday morning for Birmingham, Alabama and return home for Saturday nights 7:00 match vs the “Thundering Herd” of Marshall University. Thanks for all your support and see you this weekend. GO LOBOS!
FISH
Join the Golden Goal Club today and support your UNM men’s soccer program!
October 22, 2014
Lobo Faithful:
Tough trip to the “Bluegrass State”. We’re four days out from our match vs the Kentucky Wildcats and we’re only now coming to grips with our performance. Not the mature way to handle a challenging result, but the honest truth. Coming off four straight convincing victories, spirits and confidence were high leading into the trip east. Our preparation was good, we were healthy and focused. The trip Friday went without a hitch. We arrived in Lexington and trained at a nearby high school at 7:30. Excellent session and the boys were sharp. Saturday morning was our first chance to have a look at the game field and stadium. Impressive! Probably the best stadium we have seen in my tenure. Soccer specific and every detail first class and efficient. Better than many professional venues. The game was being televised by the SEC Network and our team appeared ready. Fast forward through the day and we arrived back at the stadium 75 minutes prior to the 7:00 pm kickoff. Warmups went well and everything was in place for a tremendous performance. The first 45 minutes of the match were very disappointing. We lacked energy, focus and purpose. Not sure what to make of things? As anticipated, Kentucky was very organized, hard working, defensive minded and direct. Nothing that we hadn’t planned for. Our team was a step off and allowed Kentucky to dictate play early and see a lot of the ball in our half. Instead of dealing with the situation maturely, keeping our heads and defending intelligently, we got frustrated and lost composure. This was the opening Kentucky needed. Our distress, gave them confidence. Despite our shortcomings, we defended well and created several quality chances from wide areas. In the 30th minute, we gave away service from our left flank, lost a mark on the far post and their center forward hit a “world class” first-time finish into the corner of the far post. 0-1 Kentucky as the first period ran its course. We re-grouped at the half and came out on-fire! The entire second half was played in the Kentucky half. We connected passes, created numerous opportunities and kept them pinned in. 11-4 shot advantage and 8-0 corners. To Kentucky’s credit, they defended well and made it tough on us. We were unable to find the net and painfully watched time tick off the clock. Very disappointing 0-1 loss to a good, but not great team. Our inability to play 90 minutes of focused soccer and take our chances was the storyline.
New Mexico Soccer is about winning big games. Our players and staff are accustomed to winning. Losing is painful and we don’t want to make a habit of it. This week’s episode of “Fish Off the Pitch” featured junior midfielder Ben McKendry. Our next game is this Saturday night and you will see an energized Lobo team!
“Fish Off the Pitch” Episode #9 with Ben McKendry: Click here to watch
LOBOS VS OLD DOMINION AT THE LOBO SOCCER COMPLEX
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25TH 7:00 PM
Thanks for your continued support and see you Saturday night.GO LOBOS!
FISH
October 15, 2014
Lobo Faithful:
As referenced in my previous “Lobo Faithful” e-mail, regular season contests #9-#12 would be challenging physically, mentally and ultimately, will play a large part in defining “who we are as a team”. Mid-season is when “the weak fall off the back, the average, “stay in the middle” and “the strong get stronger” and begin to pull away……our boys were up for the challenge and the “strong got stronger”. Coming off convincing victories over West Virginia and Florida International last week, we faced a challenging road trip to Florida Atlantic and a home match four days later vs Missouri State. As a team, we talk about embracing pressure, eliminating stress, controlling “what is controllable” and limiting distractions. Easier said than done, with players ages 18-23. Our leadership has been incredible and each of our 26 players have embraced the everyday challenges “each player must find ways to make the team better and continue to strive for excellence individually and collectively”. For us to be great, everyone must be great and committed to EXCELLENCE: academically, socially and on the playing field. I can’t tell you how proud I am of our players.
Confidence was high heading into the Florida Atlantic match and the ensuing performance was first rate. We maintained possession, played through our opponent with precision, showed maturity, patience and finished our chances. Dominant showing with a 13-5 advantage in shots, 12-2 advantage in corners and committing only 6 fouls. Our goal was to keep a rhythm to the game and not kill play with fouls. Job well done! Great goal by Kevin Correa in the 43′ (his third in the past three matches) and well placed penalty kick by James Rogers in the 63′ to seal the victory. Patrick Poblete with the shutout in goal.
Smooth trip home and two days to prepare for a mature, disciplined team from Missouri State. Missouri State’s roster is full of experienced international players. Very organized and hard to break down. Our challenge was to be patient, good on the ball and show discipline in defending. MSU is deadly on set pieces and direct play. We needed to play in our opponents half, move the ball quickly and keep our heads for the entire 90 minutes. A great showing by our team. We looked the part in our new silver and red uniforms (thanks to the generosity of Hanna Plumbing: Paul, Barbara and Lobo Alum, Cody Hanna) and controlled the tempo from minute one. Missouri State sat back and absorbed pressure the first 45 minutes. We created several quality chances, but didn’t find the net. Our back line was fantastic and we prevented a single shot on our goal. 0-0 at the half, with the key, being to “stay the course”. Our reward came in the 72′: great work in the center of the park from Josh Dye, pinpoint pass to Riley McGovern, on to Oniel Fisher for a blast from 12 yards. Oniel’s shot was deflected by a MSU defender, but he didn’t get enough on the ball and Oniel’s shot found the back of the net. 1-0 Lobos. 11 minutes later after several quality attacking sequences, Chris Wehan with a tremendous finish off a Ben McKendry pass. 2-0 Lobos. That’s how the match finished with the Lobos delivering a convincing and mature performance: 11-1 shot advantage, committing only 6 fouls and our GK, Jason Beaulieu, not being challenged to make a single save in the shutout.
As a result of his outstanding performances the past two games, senior defender, Riley McGovern, was named Conference-USA Co-Defensive Player of the Week. (Click here for the article.)A well deserved honor if you have to pick only one player. I feel our entire defense should share in this award, with two convincing shutouts.
We filmed episode #8 of“Fish Off the Pitch”yesterday with guests Josh Dye and Riley McGovern. Very draining matching wits with engineering and math majors. Click here to watch it.
We depart this Friday for Lexington, Kentucky and a very challenging Conference-USA match vs. the Kentucky Wildcats Saturday night. We are excited for this one and the challenge of “getting better” with every opportunity. Thanks for all your support and I will be reporting back to you early next week.GO LOBOS!
FISH
October 6, 2014
Lobo Faithful:
Three pre-season exhibition matches and seventeen regular season matches over three months make up the collegiate season for Lobo Soccer. The reward for good work: playing in the NCAA Tournament November 20th. Regular season matches number 8-12 (not counting exhibition matches) determine where you stand heading into the home stretch: “off the back”, “in the hunt” or “out in front”. Prior to this past weeks two matches, our record stood at 5-2-1. Not great, but good. Good, not being “good enough”. We work to “be GREAT”. Last week’s two results and our upcoming two games will set the tone for the home stretch. Our team is unified, healthy, excellent leadership and hungry for excellence. Two big ones at home last week vs West Virginia and Florida International (Conference-USA game). West Virginia is a very up and down program. Talented, well-funded and very athletic. Coming off a tough loss to UNC Charlotte, our boys were hungry and had a lot to prove. Great result vs a talented team. The first 30 seconds were action packed!
I will let you read about it here: West Virginia recap.
Three days after West Virginia, a challenging home contest vs Conference-USA foe, Florida International University: Florida International recap.
Sorry to rush through this post, but I’m trying to get ready for tomorrow’s early morning departure for Florida and our mid-week Conference match vs. Florida Atlantic on Wednesday. Excellent training session this morning and we are ready to get back after it! Niko Hansen was named Conference-USA Offensive player of the week for his last two performances and Kevin Correa is finding his attacking form with two outstanding finishes over the last two matches. A lot to be excited about!
This week’s guest on“FISH OFF THE PITCH” is junior transfer, Kevin Correa. We are shooting today and episode #7 will be up and running Tuesday morning: Fish Off the Pitch.
Off to South Florida early tomorrow and then back home for non-conference opponent, Missouri State on Sunday night, October 12th at 6:00 PM.
LOBOS VS MISSOURI STATE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12TH, 6:00 PM AT THE LOBO SOCCER COMPLEX
THANKS FOR YOUR INCREDIBLE SUPPORT AND SEE YOU SUNDAY NIGHT. GO LOBOS!
FISH
September 30, 2014
Lobo Faithful:
Ready for Wednesday nights 7:00 pm sizzling non-conference match vs the University of West Virginia Mountaineers!
LOBOS VS WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1ST
7:00 PM LOBO SOCCER COMPLEX
As I’m sure you’ve already noticed, not an early mention of our conference opener vs UNC Charlotte last Friday night. Not the start to conference play we envisioned, but a great test and a tremendous learning experience if handled maturely. We headed straight into a hornets nest! Charlotte was at their best, great environment and we were unprepared for their tactical approach to the match. The 49’ers played direct into channels, into targets, into our box….”Route 1″ soccer and they were very effective. I may be selling them a bit short. Charlotte was very organized, mature, athletic and stuck to their guns the entire match. Winners must be good losers and Charlotte was an excellent team (currently ranked in the “Top 10”). I thought we played very well in the first half, had the majority of possession and connected dangerous balls in their half. We played from the back, made forward passes and created quality chances. We dealt with Charlotte’s tactics and matched them physically and mentally. The second half saw us get away from our first half approach…..not sure why? Our defenders reacted to the pressure with indecision and uncharacteristic turnovers. We were unable to put the ball behind their back 4 and lost our way in terms of a commitment to playing from the back and building through the midfield. Charlotte was relentless! We gave away too many easy crosses, fouls and corners, but were able to withstand their attack. 80 minutes into the match, still 0-0 and we created two quality chances to go ahead: Oniel Fisher with an open look from 10 yards out and Kevin Correa with tremendous individual work on the right flank, only to be denied by the post. With 4:30 left in the match, we failed to close on our right flank allowing free service from 30 yards….far post service and a tremendous header back across our GK…0-1 Charlotte. We quickly re-grouped with 4:00 minutes left and pushed numbers up to even the score. 1 minute in and they found a quick counter with a shot from deep deflecting off a defender and finding side netting. 0-2 Charlotte in a disappointing, but hard fought lesson.
Championship teams learn from their losses and come back stronger. This isn’t our “first rodeo”. Our coaches and players realize we weren’t at our best and won’t let our guard down next time. Great teams match and surpass their opponents tactics and impose their will on the game. Excited to get back at it tomorrow!
I was a bit somber in the latest“Fish Off The Pitch” with Josh Dye. Always a bit humbling to interview a kid with a 4.05 gpa in mechanical engineering. Check out the video here.
The next two matches are at home. We need your support. Wednesday the 1st vs West Virginia andSaturday, October 4th, 7:00 PM vs Florida International University at the Lobo Soccer Complex
Thanks for your continued support and energy. See you the next two matches andGO LOBOS!
Fish
September 24, 2014
Lobo Faithful:
The TLC Plumbing and Utility Invitational brought three diverse and quality teams to the Land of Enchantment (all NCAA Tournament teams in 2013). Virginia Commonwealth University, Drexel University out of Philadelphia and California State Bakersfield joined the host Lobos. Bakersfield was the neutral team and kicked things off Friday the 19th, with an impressive 1-1 draw vs VCU. Lobos vs Drexel in the nightcap. Couldn’t get a handle on the weather coming into the weekend: rain, sun, clouds, slight chance of rain…..if you don’t the like the fall weather in New Mexico, just wait a minute and it will change. Turned out to be a wonderful day for soccer and the conditions were perfect for Lobos vs Dragons and for all the weekend matches. Our boys were confident coming off a successful California weekend and the weeks training was very good. We came out strong and got an early hold on the match. Didn’t finish some decent chances early, but our fortune changed in the 37th minute. Driven in-swinging corner kick from Josh Goss (right side, left footed) found Nike Meile unmarked at the top of the six for a one-time finish with his head. 1-0 Lobos. We continued to possess and create chances, but no change until the 78th minute. Poor marking on a throw-in, slipped ball and Drexel evened the score with only their second chance on goal. 1-1 with 12 minutes on the clock. We masked our disappointment and went to work. Quality chances, but no love. After 90 minutes, 1-1 with 20 minutes of overtime possible. We created several chances, but couldn’t find the net in overtime. 1-1 tie and the boys came off the field with heads down. Felt like a loss. Just like “kissing your sister”… a tie doesn’t count. Lobos dominating statistically, but not on the scoreboard. 16-6 advantage shots, 6-2 on frame, 3-0 shots in overtime, GK Poblete with one save. Need to take our chances!
Drexel recap
Sunday nights match vs VCU had the team in a great mental state: excited for a big challenge. We tied VCU last year in Richmond and the Rams are a very dynamic and attack minded team. Coming off a great win over #8 Georgetown and an OT loss to #9 Virginia, VCU was battle tested and hungry. We put together our best 90 minutes of soccer so far this season. 17 minutes in, great slipped ball by Oniel Fisher to Niko Hansen at the top of the box for Hansen’s first goal of the year. The remaining 28 minutes of the half saw the Lobos create several chances, but no goals. The second half was a very well played 45 minutes. 29 minutes in, Chris Wehan with some well read defensive work and a calm finish. 2-0 Lobos. We saw the game out maturely and 2-0 Lobos was the final. We were very disciplined committing only 6 fouls for the game and keeping possession for long stretches of the match. Very well played and complete performance!
VCU recap
With the win, New Mexico earned the first place hardware for the TLC Plumbing and Utility Invitational and Lobo players dominated the Tournament awards:
Ben McKendry Tourney MVP
Chris Wehan Offensive MVP
Nick Meile Defensive MVP
James Rogers and Josh Dye named to the All Tournament Team
Offensive MVP,Chris Wehan, was the guest on Mondays episode of“Fish Off The Pitch.”
We are off to Charlotte, NC this Thursday for our Conference-USA opener vs #21 ranked UNC Charlotte Friday night. This is going to be a tremendous battle and our boys are excited to compete. Thanks for all your support and see you back in Albuquerque on Wednesday, October 1st, when the Lobos host the University of West Virginia Mountaineers at 7:00 pm. Thanks for all your support and GO LOBOS!
Fish
September 17, 2014
Lobo Faithful:
Two big matches in California and we would know quite a bit about ourselves after this challenging four day road trip . It was difficult naming the traveling team of 20. We have 26 players on the roster and everyone makes an impact and works incredibly hard on and off the field. 26 STRONG! 20 players traveled and our mantra was “we are playing for the boys at home”. We trained in Albuquerque Thursday morning and then headed straight to the airport fueled by Frontier breakfast burritos. This was our first road trip and I was nervous to see what kind of suits the new boys would be wearing (we travel in coat and tie). Jason Beaulieu won the prize for most debonaire: rock and roll tight pants, purple shirt and black tie….only a Canadian could pull it off. The rest of the boys were pretty boring…black or blue suits and not much color…future morticians. Smooth trip into LAX and straight to the hotel. It was sizzling hot in the Valley. Quick walk around the Northridge game field and then off to dinner at everyones favorite, Olive Garden. We hit the rack early and saved the scouting report for the am. Breakfast at 9:00, scout 9:30, 10:30 training session, 3:30 pre-game meal and off for the match at 5:00.
LOBOS VS CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY NORTHRIDGE MATADORS 7:00 PM
Friday night was the Northridge Matadors home opener and the stands were packed! Band, student section, on-field VIP Suites…the house was rocking! We had our best 45 minutes of the year the first half. Ball speed, interchange, pressing…”total football”. 7-1 advantage in shots and we were rewarded in the 19th minute with a Chris Wehan right footed rocket coming inside from the left flank. 1-0 Lobos and the only tally of the first half. Northridge played straight up against us the first half, but changed tactics in the second 45. Direct play, battles for seconds and lots of substituting (Northridge played 7 off the bench). They took the rhythm from us and made a mess of the game. We were unable to settle and got caught up in the back and forth. Pretty ugly, but efficient from the Matadors. We committed 12 fouls, about 6 too many and GK Jason Beaulieu made 2 saves on the night. We maturely saw the match out and came away with a well deserved 1-0 victory. A big one in a tough environment. Little time to enjoy, as we had to recover and make the journey south early Saturday morning for Sundays match vs an undefeated University of San Diego.
LOBOS VS UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO TOREROS 5:00 PM
We headed out of LA late morning Saturday after a pool recovery session and the low minute guys getting a short training session. Coach Mike Graczyk and I headed out early to watch two youth games at the Stub Hub Center and met up with team in San Diego late afternoon. The boys were treated to a wonderful lunch at the home of Mike and Julianne Wehan, Chris’s parents, on the trip down to SD. Upon the teams arrival, we all walked the field at the University of San Diego, brought dinner to the hotel and reviewed the scout for Sundays match. USD was undefeated and were coming off a 5-2 Friday night victory. Tough one ahead! We kicked off at 5:00 and the temperature was in the low 90’s. We came out strong, but couldn’t find the net. Things settled and the half ended scoreless. I thought we were a bit lethargic and the team wasn’t playing to form. An animated half time talk and the boys came out firing. 6 minutes into the second half, Oniel Fisher with a great rebound goal off a Niko Hansen blast. 1-0 Lobos and we started to find our rhythm. 19 minutes later, Sam Gleadle with a “whipped in” cross and assist to James Rogers for our second goal. 2-0 Lobos with the game finishing without another score. 2-0 Lobo victory, another clean sheet and sweep for the weekend. Great job from the entire team!
This weeks guest on“Fish Off The Pitch” is freshman goalkeeper Jason Beaulieu. Jason with a great weekend, picking up two wins and two shutouts.
Lobo Soccer needs your support. To maintain our standard of excellence in the classroom, community and on the playing field, we need to raise $80,000 to supplement our operating budget. Our booster club is theGolden Goal Cluband 100% of membership dollars goes directly to our program. Click here to find out more!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH AT 7:00 PM: LOBOS VS 2013 NCAA TOURNAMENT PARTICIPANT DREXEL UNIVERSITY
TWO BIG HOME MATCHES THIS WEEKEND AT THETLC PLUMBING AND UTILITY INVITATIONAL
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST AT 6:00 PM: LOBOS VS 2013 NCAA TOURNAMENT PARTICIPANT AND “TOP 16 SEED” VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
Thanks for all your support and we look forward to seeing you this weekend. GO LOBOS!
FISH
September 10, 2014
Lobo Faithful:
A wonderful display of high quality soccer at the Grange and Ashwill Memorial Tournament this past weekend. American University from Washington DC, University of California at Riverside, UCLA and New Mexico competed for the championship trophy: 4 matches over the weekend at the Lobo Soccer Complex. UCLA entered the weekend ranked #1 in the nation, with the Lobos ranked #5. UCLA vs American kicked things off Friday, September 5th at 4:30. To the country’s surprise, American knocked off the top-ranked Bruins in overtime, 2-1. Lobos vs UC Riverside in the nightcap. 2000 in the stands, perfect evening with great anticipation from the vocal Lobo Faithful. 5′ into the match and Lobo GK Patrick Poblete called for a foul inside our penalty box. Penalty kick with the Riverside #3 slotting it for an early Riverside advantage, 1-0. Our boys kept focus and quickly got a hold of the match. In the 11th minute, great work on the flank by James Rogers, with Chris Wehan making an intelligent run from deep to get on the end of Roger’s cross. 1-1 and plenty of early action. We started to see more and more of the ball and continued to threaten. 19-6 shot advantage Lobos for the match and 9-3 advantage for shots on frame. Riverside really had a chip on their shoulders and this one wasn’t a friendly match. 33 fouls called and 7 yellow cards…the officials never got full control of the game. In the 68′ minute, we finally found the winner. Josh Goss with a cracker off a rebound, to make it 2-1 Lobos. Not wanting to let the excitement diminish, with 5 minutes on the clock, our GK, Patrick Poblete, was given a yellow card by the official for “wasting time”. The first time in my coaching career I’ve experienced this call and even more gutsy, considering it was Poblete’s 2nd yellow of the match (given a yellow for the foul and PK in the 5′). 2 yellows = red and we had to play a man down for the final five minutes. Freshmen GK Jason Beaulieu closed out the match (Poblete had to come off for the red). Too much excitement for me, but we got the result and could now focus on the main event, UCLA Sunday night.
UC Riverside Recap
UCLA was the game we all had circled on our calendars. 5000 Lobo Supporters in the stands and the atmosphere was all you could ask for. Vuvuzella’s, drums, tail gating….what a soccer match should look like! Jason Beaulieu was starting in the net for the suspended Poblete (suspended for red card). In the 6th minute, 3 poor clearances by our back 4, a bouncing ball and we were called for another early foul in the box. The official pointed to the spot…PK…1-0 UCLA. Not the start we were looking for. The boys responded brilliantly. We controlled the rhythm and thoroughly dominated play. Our reward came in the31st minute. Great individual work by Josh Goss and a driven cross from the left flank found James Rogers on the near post. 1-1 and things looking great. The game was ours for the taking. For the match, 18-3 advantage Lobos in shots, 8-2 advantage in shots on goal….our GK never challenged to make a save the entire match…..not to be. 74′ miscue between our central defenders, loose ball, keeper off his line…..2-1 UCLA off a disappointing and rare defensive mistake. We kept driving and created several more quality chances, but couldn’t find the net. A tough loss to swallow. We played very well, dominated the match, but failed to take our chances and made two costly mistakes. Soccer!
UCLA Recap
American University was crowned winner of the Grange and Ashwill Memorial Tournament with their 1-0 victory over Riverside Sunday afternoon. We left the tournament disappointed, but very optimistic. We are playing dynamic and entertaining soccer, creating chances and the goals will come. For his efforts over the weekend (game winning goal and assist), Josh Goss was named Conference-USA Offensive Player of the Week.
Josh is also the guest on this week’s“FISH OFF THE PITCH.”
Here’s the link to this week’s episode hosted by award-winning sports journalist, Richard Stevens.
The boys are anxious to get back on the field this Friday night vs. Cal State Northridge. We depart Thursday for our first road matches. Northridge on Friday and University of San Diego on Sunday. We are playing well and the waiting is a killer. Can’t say enough about our supporters and the incredible atmosphere you are creating. Great things ahead! Thanks for all your support andGO LOBOS!
FISH
September 3, 2014
Lobo Faithful:
Uncertainty, restlessness, anticipation, excitement, love of our team. Those can all describe our feelings last week. After three non-descript exhibition matches, Lobo Soccer kicked off the 2014 season last Friday night, Aug. 29, against the 13th-ranked Akron Zips. It was a beautiful New Mexico evening with clear skies, a boisterous crows and a playing surface that could easily have been mistaken for a putting green. When I met with the squad in the team room 75 minutes prior to kickoff, I could see something different in their eyes. There was a focus, a calmness. It was the look of individuals going into battle with the confidence that their teammates would back them up under any condition. My intuition proved correct; the boys were ready to roll!
GRANGE AND ASHWILL MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT AT THE UNM SOCCER COMPLEX THIS FRIDAY AND SUNDAY
Friday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m., Lobos vs. UC Riverside
Sunday, Sept. 7 at 6 p.m., Lobos vs. No. 1 UCLA
Senior James Rogers was just named a candidate for the prestigious Senior CLASS Award. James is an outstanding student, a genuine humanitarian and a tremendous soccer player. Only 30 student-athletes in the entire nation are candidates for this award. I will keep you posted as soon as the finalists are selected.
The second episode of “Fish Off the Pitch” features an exclusive interview with Usher’s identical twin, Oniel Fisher.
But back to the season opener vs. No. 13 Akron. The boys were sharp and focused in the pregame warmup. There was a slight miscommunication off the kickoff, but we quickly settled and caught fire. Three minutes into the match Chris Wehan’s entry ball to Oniel Fisher at the top of the box ended with the ball in the back of the net on one touch. It was 1-0 Lobos and we were rolling! We continued to press and moved the ball with a newfound crispness. The boys created numerous chances, including two shots that deflected off the post. Despite domination of the half, the scoreboard read just 1-0 Lobos. Things settled and evened out a bit in the second half as we didn’t continue to play with the same intensity. It was a well-managed match, though, and we owned a 20-5 shot advantage, including nine on frame to Akron’s two. It was a great way to start the season with Oniel Fisher finding the early winner and Patrick Poblete earning the shutout in net. You can find a recap and highlights of the match here.
The Grange and Ashwill Memorial Tournament kicks off this Friday, Sept. 5. American University will face UCLA at 4:30, followed by the Lobos vs. UC Riverside at 7 p.m. On Sunday, Sept. 7, American plays Riverside at noon, and the Lobos will face No. 1 UCLA at 6 p.m. It should be four great matches and we need your support! We look forward to seeing thousands of Lobo supporters in RED on Friday and Sunday night. Thanks for all your support.
GO LOBOS!
Fish
August 26, 2014
Lobo Faithful:
Our preseason and exhibition matches are behind us. We are ready to play for KEEPS! Lobo Men’s Soccer kicks off the season this Friday night at 7 vs. the No. 13 Akron Zips are the UNM Soccer Complex. This one will be a display of skillful, athletic soccer. Akron is committed to the attack and has a roster of dynamic players, which is a very similar playing style and approach that we use. Get to the UNM Soccer Complex early because this one is going to be a barn burner!
LOBOS VS. #13 AKRON ZIPS, FRIDAY NIGHT, AUG. 29 AT 7 P.M. AT THE UNM SOCCER COMPLEX
We learned a lot about ourselves the past two weeks. We had ups and downs with mixed results from the exhibitions. We have exciting attacking players and disciplined, mature defenders. Over the course of three exhibitions we created numerous scoring opportunities, but we didn’t finish to our standard. We had a win, a loss and a draw … it should have been three “W”s but nothing is going to come easy this season. We outshot our opponents by a more than 3-to-1 margin. Our challenge was sharing minutes amongst a deep group and putting the ball in the net! We’ve established our identity and references to last year are no longer applicable. This is a very unified, talented and deep team. It’s mature with great leadership and is well balanced with athleticism and flair. We will be very entertaining! What I am most proud of is how close the players are and how much they care about each other and appreciate their good fortune to be on this team. With success comes responsibility. We are proud to wearNEW MEXICO across our hearts and will be playing for our supporters. We can’t wait to get things rolling!
We shot the first episode of“Fish Off the Pitch”Monday and it will air Wednesday morning. If you aren’t familiar, “Fish Off the Pitch” is the weekly Lobo Soccer Coaches show. We have a new producer, and he promises new twists, turns and laughs. Veteran local sports personality and GoLobos.com Senior Writer Richard Stevens will again host the show. You can find the new episode here beginning Wednesday.
I’m not sure if I’m in proper “Fish Off the Pitch” form yet, but I will crank it up quickly. I need to re-stock the shirt drawer. I can’t thank you enough for your support, and I look forward to seeing you this Friday night. We will be playing for all of you.
GO LOBOS!
Fish
August 22, 2014
Lobo Faithful:
The University of New Mexico Lobos soccer team is ready for our final exhibition match this Saturday night vs. 2013 NCAA Tournament participant Denver University. This one will be a full “dress rehearsal” for the season opener on Aug. 29 vs. No. 13 Akron. In our first two exhibitions, we juggled lineups and were careful to limit everyone’s minutes. With three exhibition matches in seven days, over-training was a concern, and we had to be disciplined coaches. The first exhibition vs. Fot Lewis on Monday night was a good result (3-0), and everyone saw significant minutes. I was really happy with our new players, and we learned quite a bit from the match. We bussed up to Colorado Springs on Tuesday to play our second exhibition vs. Air Force on Wednesday afternoon. While the Air Force result wasn’t what we were looking for over 90 minutes (0-1), we played everyone who was eligible and healthy. We limited individual player minutes too and got a final look at combinations and match readiness. I wanted the Air Force trip to take us out of our comfort zone and “mission accomplished!” It was a hug field, a mid-day match with not atmosphere and we played at altitude against a very physical and committed opponent. Losing is something we don’t like – we hate it – but this was the kick that everyone probably needed. I know I needed it. Losing hurts and it makes you remember why you work so hard. There was too much reading of our own press clippings and the trip back was a real kick in the a$$! Every match is a battle and you need to bring your best every day. We had numerous chances early but didn’t finish. We had a 21-10 advantage in shots for the match and an 8-1 advantage in corner kicks. The game was played in our opponent’s half, but we didn’t capitalize. Hats off to Air Force. They were determined, mentally tough and played within themselves. My initial reaction was one of anger, but after lengthy introspection this was a great experience for all of us. We’re ready for Denver and the numerous challenges the season will bring.
LOBOS VS. DENVER UNIVERSITY, SATURDAY, AUG. 23 AT 7 P.M. AT THE UNM SOCCER COMPLEX. NO CHARGE FOR ADMISSION!
Excitement is building and we are going to treat our final exhibition vs. Denver like a regular-season contest. You are going to see a fully charged and relentless Lobo team. Thanks for all your support, and I look forward to seeing you Saturday night. The 2014 season-opening episode of “Fish Off the Pitch” is scheduled to shoot Monday and should be up Tuesday night. I will keep you posted.
GO LOBOS!
Fish
July 10, 2014
Lobo Faithful:
Ready to get the season rolling! The University of New Mexico Lobo Soccer Season is right around the corner. Summer is flying by and I’m starting to get the itch…. I’m ready to crank it up! Just wanted to get you thinking about Lobo Soccer and pass on some exciting news.
We recently received the spring semester team grade point average and the boys brought home a team gpa of 3.53. That’s right, A’s and B’s and a few more A’s than B’s (I think I got my math right). The fall team gpa was 3.43….pretty impressive work in the classroom. Our Program is about EXCELLENCE: Academic, Social and Athletic.
Michael Kafari, 2013 Senior and UNM graduate, just signed a professional contract with defending MLS Champion Sporting KC. After being drafted by the MLS Vancouver Whitecaps, Michael was on loan with the Charleston Battery. Three of our four 2013 seniors are signed to professional contracts with MLS teams. Michael Calderon was drafted by the MLS Vancouver Whitecaps and is currently playing for the USL Pro Wilmington Hammerheads. All four have received their undergraduate degrees!
Our Lobo Soccer Academy Summer Camps are kicking off: starting July 10th and running through July 24th: