IRVING, Texas — The University of New Mexico senior duo of Niko Hansen and Chris Wehan were named to the 2016 Preseason All-Conference USA squad, released by the league earlier today. Hansen was a member of the All-Conference USA second team in 2015 as a forward, finishing the season fourth in C-USA for shots per game (2.94), while Wehan was a first team selection in the midfield, ranking second in the league for goals per game (.56) with 10 on the season.
The pair of returning players highlight a stacked Lobo team that is looking to return to the NCAA Tournament after a two-year hiatus. The last time UNM went was in 2013, and the squad got all the way to the NCAA College Cup, advancing to the semifinals against Notre Dame.
For head coach Jeremy Fishbein, now in his 14th season, having a pair like Hansen and Wehan helps, but there’s plenty of talent all around for UNM. Seniors Nick Rochowski, Josh Goss, Chris Gurule will give the squad veteran leadership, and with Goss an experienced playmaker, as he led the team in assists a year ago.
Of the nine players who played in all 18 matches last year, eight return. Along with the aforementioned seniors, keeper Jason Beaulieu brings a 0.94 goals against average from a year ago with four clean sheets and 75 saves. Patrick Khouri and Matt Dorsey also bring plenty of experience in the midfield.
While the experience is great, UNM will have to rely on some newcomers, but that’s where having the nation’s No. 5 ranked signing class helps. Matt Constant, who has played with the U17 US National Team, leads that group after a solid Spring where he showcased a high level of play.
The Lobos were selected to finish fourth in C-USA, tying with South Carolina. Kentucky was selected first in a preseason poll by the league’s head coaches.
UNM will immediately get to work on proving that prediction untrue, with camp opening on Wednesday, August 10. The first of three exhibition matches takes place on Monday night, August 15 against UNLV. The regular season starts on Friday, August 26 at Washington, and the home slate opens on Friday, September 2 against Cal State Northridge.
Overall, UNM will play 17 regular season games, and counting three exhibitions, 12 home matches.
To purchase your 2016 – 17 Lobo Pride Pass call Lobo Athletic Ticket representatives: Joe Gehling at 505-925-1620 or Andrew Aho at 505-925-5526. Fans can also visit the Lobo Ticket Office located in WisePies Arena for more information.
The hours of operation for the Lobo Ticket Office in Wise Pies Arena are 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. from Monday through Friday.
| 2016 PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE USA TEAM | ||||
| Name | School | Year | Pos. | Hometown |
| Brandt Bronico | Charlotte | Senior | MF | High Point, N.C. |
| Luis Betancur | FIU | Senior | F | Parkland, Fla. |
| Marvin Hezel | FIU | Senior | D | Waldshut, Germany |
| Napo Matsoso | Kentucky | Senior | MF | Louisville, Kent. |
| Stefan Stojkovic | Kentucky | Junior | F | Halmsted, Sweden |
| Jordan Wilson | Kentucky | Senior | D | Auchterarder, Scotland |
| Niko Hansen | New Mexico | Senior | F | Sacramento, Calif. |
| Chris Wehan | New Mexico | Senior | MF | Laguna Niguel, Calif. |
| Alex Tiesenhausen | Old Dominion | Senior | GK | Graz, Austria |
| Danny Deakin | South Carolina | Senior | MF | Sheffield, England |
| Koty Millard | South Carolina | Senior | D | Columbia, South Carolina |
2016 C-USA PRESEASON OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Napo Matsoso, Kentucky, Sr., MF
2016 C-USA PRESEASON DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Marvin Hezel, FIU, Sr., D
2016 C-USA PRESEASON POLL (as selected by C-USA coaches)
1. Kentucky
2. Charlotte
3. FIU
4. New Mexico (tie)
South Carolina (tie)
6. Old Dominion
7. UAB
8. Marshall
9. Florida Atlantic