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!
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!
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
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