MIAMI – The University of New Mexico men’s soccer team knew it would have its hands full defensively when it visited No. 25 FIU on Saturday night. The Panthers (9-5-1, 3-3-1) came in fifth in the nation in scoring at 2.36 goals per game, but the Lobos (7-4-4, 1-3-2 C-USA) were able to keep them off the board in earning a 0-0 draw.
“This is a tough environment against a good team, and we battled and created chances,” UNM head coach Jeremy Fishbein said. “I’m really proud of our effort. I’m disappointed with the result for the guys’ sake, but we battled and were mature. I’m not happy (with a tie), but I’m also very focused on the positives.”
Jason Beaulieu made eight saves behind a stout backline that didn’t allow FIU many quality looks. Even when the Panthers threatened there was always a Lobo defender there to help Beaulieu keep a clean sheet.
The closest either side came to scoring came in the first half. In the 20th minute Josh Goss sent in a free kick from the near touchline. The ball landed at the edge of the six-yard box but nobody touched it. FIU’s keeper was frozen to his spot as the ball bounced up and off the crossbar. Goss then had a more conventional chance in the very next minute off a free kick from about 25 yards out, but his shot was high.
UNM’s next best opportunity came in the second half. The Lobos had nearly continuous possession for about seven or eight minutes. In the 65th minute Aaron Herrera sent a low cross into the box for a streaking Lobo, but an FIU defender was able to clear it away from danger.
The Panthers probably had the better of play in the OT session as they desperately pressed for a winner, but Beaulieu made a couple of big saves and the Lobos swarming defense preserved the result for UNM.
“We defended and handled them really well,” Fishbein said. “We’re a good team, and we continue to gain maturity. Our Achilles heel this season has just been our ability to finish our chances.”
UNM remains in seventh place in Conference USA with just one league game remaining. The Lobos host last-place Florida Atlantic Friday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. at the UNM Soccer Complex. A win would guarantee UNM a spot in the C-USA Tournament in Charlotte beginning Nov. 11.
Scoring Summary
None
Cautions
New Mexico: Team, yellow (90:00)
FIU: Bohm, yellow (63:08); Patino, yellow (78:58); Marie, yellow (89:50); Hezel, yellow (96:06)
Starters
FIU: Clapot (GK), Marie, Hezel, Patino, Bohm, Longo, Gonzalez, Nembhard, Midttun, Lopez, Tomlinson
New Mexico: Beaulieu (GK), Mora Delgado, Rochowski, Goss, Hansen, Khouri, Wehan, Gurule, Herrera, Dye, Spangenberg
Notes
- It was UNM’s fourth overtime game in seven Conference USA matches
- It was the second-most saves in a single match for Beaulieu, who made nine earlier this week against Charlotte
- Beaulieu now has 70 saves this season, which is the 10th most by a Lobo
Next up
UNM hosts last-place Florida Atlantic on Senior Night at the UNM Soccer Complex on Friday, Nov. 6 at 7.