Lobo Soccer- at UNM Soccer Complex (6,200)
When: Tuesday at 7 p.m. (MT)
Who: Charlotte 49ers
GoLobos.com: Live stats, box score, live stream, postgame recap
Live stats: Available at www.lobostats.com
Video: Free stream on the Mountain West Network available here
Weather Forecast: 60 degrees and clear
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Just three games remain in the regular season for the University of New Mexico men’s soccer team, and the Lobos need to get back to their winning ways if they want to keep their postseason hopes alive. UNM is 1-0-2 in its last three contests, but the Lobos probably feel like they very well could have won all three.
New Mexico faces a daunting challenge Tuesday night when Charlotte, one of the co-leaders in Conference USA, comes to town. The 49ers are playing as well as anyone in the country right now, especially defensively. They have shut out each of their last three opponents and, if not for a penalty kick with 13 seconds left against Marshall on Oct. 10, they would be on a shutout streak of 373:24. As it is, they have not allowed a goal from the run of play since Sept. 22 against Wofford, a stretch of 562:49.
Obviously they are an excellent defensive team that limits chances for their opponents. UNM will need to be opportunistic and convert in front of the net if they want to hand Charlotte its first conference loss of the season.
Chris Wehan continued his great season Friday night at Marshall with his 10th goal, and the Lobos had numerous other good chances, but the Thundering Herd were able to come up with several terrific defensive plays. It will take a coordinated effort by Wehan, Niko Hansen, Sam Gleadle and the entire Lobo attacking group to break down and defeat the 49ers.
GAME PROMOTIONS: Tuesday is Stuff the Stadium night and tickets for all fans are just $2. It is also Kick or Treat and some free candy will be given out.
Series Record: 0-1-1
Home: 0-0-1; Road: 0-1-0; Neutral: 0-0-0
Last meeting: UNM lost at Charlotte 2-1 last season. The teams drew 0-0 in Albuquerque in 2013.
Up Next: The Lobos travel to play at Florida International on Saturday night.
SCOUTING CHARLOTTE … The C-USA preseason favorites are starting to roll. Senior forward Kyle Parker is the reigning C-USA Offensive Player of the Week after scoring three goals and assisting on another last week. He is second in C-USA in both points (18) and goals (8) behind only Chris Wehan. Defensively the 49ers do not allow their opponents many opportunities. They have allowed just nine goals in 13 matches this season and have limited their opponents to just 41 shots on goal. Senior keeper Austin Pack has been tremendous, posting a .775 save percentage and a GAA of 0.68. He has five shutouts and has played all but 18:14 in goal for the 49ers this season.
RPI UPDATE … The Lobos checked in at No. 37 in the latest NCAA RPI update, while Charlotte is 28th in the rankings.
CASUCCI È MOLTO BENE … Freshman Francesco Casucci led UNM’s 3-2 comeback win over UAB on Oct. 18 with two goals and an assist. His efforts earned him C-USA Offensive Player of the Week honors and a spot on College Soccer News’ Team of the Week.
GLEADLE ON THE BOARD … After coming frustratingly close on numerous occasions, including having one taken off for being called offside, sophomore forward Sam Gleadle nabbed his first career goal against UAB on Oct. 18. It also happened to be the game-winner as the Lobos rallied from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
HERRERA CALLED UP TO U.S. U20 … Freshman defender Aaron Herrera was called up to the U.S. U20 team for the Four Nations Tournament in Germany and missed UNM’s loss at Old Dominion on Oct. 10.
WEHAN CLIMBS TOP 10 … Chris Wehan’s scored the 23rd goal of his career on Oct. 23 at Marshall. That moved him into a seventh-place tie in UNM history with Mario Picazo. Chris Wright and Devon Sandoval are tied for fifth with 26.