ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – An early start did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm surrounding the University of New Mexico men’s soccer team as it began its fall training schedule Tuesday morning. The Lobos were out on Robertson Field as the early morning sun was still rising over the Sandias for their first training session of the 2015 season. Fans can check out a photo gallery of the session here.
“It was a good first session,” junior center back Chris Gurule said. “There was some good intensity, and that will carry over to this afternoon.”
The Lobos are training twice a day three times this week in the buildup to their first exhibition game this Saturday against Air Force at 7 p.m. at the UNM Soccer Complex.
“A lot of us have been here for about a month, putting in the time on fitness and the tough stuff early on our own,” said Gurule. “Now we’re ready to start building towards Saturday and the rest of the season.”
UNM has a lot of new faces to incorporate as there are 10 newcomers and seven returning redshirts to work into the team this season, but there is also a lot of returning talent as well. Chris Wehan and Niko Hansen, the top two scorers from last year’s squad, are back for their junior seasons. Helping the attack will be junior Josh Goss and sophomore Sam Gleadle, who combined for two goals and five assists last year.
Josh Dye, a 2014 Second Team Academic All-American, is one of two seniors in the midfield along with Adrian Mora Delgado. The back end will be anchored by Gurule and his partner at center back, Nicholas Rochowski, who has appeared in 27 games (and started 10) in two years. Jason Beaulieu had one of the best seasons ever by a Lobo freshman goalkeeper in 2014, and he will be pushed by redshirt sophomore James Bannon-Schneebeck for time in net.
UNM’s exhibition vs. the Falcons will be free and open to the public, but it is not too late to order your Lobo Pride Pass to gain access to every home match of the season. For just $50, the Pride Pass acts as a ticket for its owner for every home men’s and women’s soccer game, every volleyball match, every indoor track and field meet, and every home game for both baseball and softball. Call (505) 925-LOBO, (505) 925-1620 or head to the Lobo Ticket Office in The Pit for more information. The Lobo Ticket Office’s hours are 8:30am-5:00pm from Mon.-Fri.
Lobos Kick Off Fall Camp
