ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The University of New Mexico men’s soccer team kicked off its spring exhibition schedule with a pair of matches against Utah Valley and UNLV Saturday in Las Vegas.
The Lobos were able face two strong opponents while splitting up playing time, giving individual Lobos quality game experience over the course of the day.
“I thought it was a great winter and spring, the last 10 weeks have been extremely good,” said head coach Jeremy Fishbein. “We came out strong and had a great first match date. For our first date out there, I couldn’t be happier. But we can’t be complacent. We have to keep moving forward. We want to be at a much higher level come April 30th on our last date. I’m really proud of the guys.”
Competition started with a 1-0 victory in the morning over Utah Valley. The Lobos went with a lineup of: Beaulieu; Herrera, Constant, Rochowski, Seligman; Gurule, Khouri; Hansen, Goss, Wehan and Gleadle. Utah Valley entered the game coming off a NCAA Tournament appearance in 2015. However, the match was decided by the Lobos on a Hansen strike in the 66th minute.
“We played two high quality Division I teams,” said Fishbein. “Utah Valley was a top-20 team last year, they return 10 out of 11 starters, and this was their final spring date. They were a sharp, informed team.”
Later on in the evening, the Lobos took on Mountain West Conference rivals UNLV. The Lobos went with a lineup of: Rios; Bigege, Lovato, Gurule, Goss; Dorsey, Kajermo; Camera, Boyce, Spangenberg and Lawrence. While the defense was on point in a shutout of Utah Valley, the Lobo offense exploded during the prime time game. New Mexico won by a score of 4-2, with goals coming from Lawrence (7′), Seligman (57′), Boyce (84′) and Hansen (84′). The Lobos unleashed their offense against a Rebels squad that was playing in their fifth date of the spring season.
“We started 8 freshman eligibility wise,” Fishbein stated. “We started a pretty young lineup but they played really well. We gave up two goals, one off a penalty and another off a set piece, but a lot of it was due to inexperience. (The experience) will prove to be very beneficial moving forward.”
Overall, the Lobos were able to get in game experience for 18 field players and three goalkeepers Saturday. The Lobos will continue their spring slate on Saturday, when they take on Creighton and Colorado School of Mines in Denver.
Men’s Soccer Starts Spring Schedule With Pair of Victories
