ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — When you have the nation’s No. 5-ranked recruiting class, like Jeremy Fishbein and Company locked up in February (as rated by Top Drawer Soccer), one would think the coaching staff could coast … ease back for a little. Enjoy Spring practice.
But in college soccer, when you get a class like that … things happen. In fact, the MLS happened. That original class of six went down to five when Ethan Zubak, the nation’s No. 14-ranked recruit, was snatched up by the L.A. Galaxy.
No Zubak? No worries. All Jeremy Fishbein and his staff did to cover that unexpected loss was pick up a pair of hidden gems in Rafael Jimenez and Billy Jones, two players with extensive international experience that will bring both flair and flavor to the 2016 Lobos as they look to return to NCAA Postseason play.
“I’m really excited to have Billy and Rafa joining our program,” said Fishbein. “They bring international experience to our program, having represented both New Zealand and Australia at the youth international level.”
He added, “Billy and Rafa are excellent students and ambitious players. They will add a great deal to our program. With their addition, we will now have five players who have represented their countries at the international level”
When you look at Rafa Jimenez, one could look at his hometown of Madrid, Spain and assume he’s at least seen some great soccer. That’s not even a blip on the radar, as Jimenez’ experiences connects him to some of the greatest clubs in the world, and a whole different world half a planet away.
His youth career began by joining Real Madrid’s youth academy before switching to another high profile academy, Club Atletico de Madrid, where he represented Club Atletico in the UEFA Young Champions Tournament.
Then, as if playing for those two academies wasn’t enough, he transferred to Villarreal CF in the summer of 2012, where he played in Spain’s highest division for both the U17 (Juvenil B) and U19 (Juvenil A) age groups. While with Juvenil B, he reached the 2014 Mediterranean International Cup finals, and he also spent time with Villarreal B.
But that’s just Europe. The 5-10 Jimenez has a whole different continent he has competed on, and with as well. Rafa’s father, Rafa Sr., was born in Australia, allowing for Jimenez to represent Australia on its youth national team, which he has done at both the U19 and U20 levels, earning six caps.
In 2013 he played four games in the COTIF U19 International Tournament, and he picked up a pair of caps in the U20 World Cup AFC Qualifying Tournament. While an injury prevented his participation in the 2013 U20 World Cup, all of that international experience has Fishbein excited about his prospects as a Lobo.
“Rafa played for three of the biggest clubs in the world as a youth player: Real Madrid, Villarreal and Club Atletico de Madrid. He is a dynamic and exciting player,” said Fishbein.
Just getting Jimenez as a late addition would be enough to keep that Top Drawer Soccer ranking, but Jimenez, couples with Billy Jones, really should up the ante. That’s because Jones has plenty of international experience as well.
The rangy 6-2 Jones has been competing with Onehunga Sports Club since the age of 12, and he made his first Senior Team appearances this past year. He has also spent time as a youth player with the ASPIRE Academy in Qatar, home of the 2022 World Cup.
When Jones participated in the ASPIRE International Cup, one of his teams’ victories was a 1-0 decision over Real Madrid.
Jones also has spent time with the New Zealand Youth National Team, earning five caps as a U17 team member, participating in the 2015 U17 World Cup and the OFC Qualifying Tournament. Twice he wore the captain’s band in those matches.
“Billy comes from a family of educators and has traveled the world with football. He has played in Europe and the Middle East, as well as the highest levels of football in New Zealand,” said Fishbein.
Of course, Australians and New Zealanders have a little bit of a rivalry. That’s sort of like saying New Mexico and New Mexico State have a rivalry, but of course, that doesn’t exist on the pitch. Neither will a rivalry between Jimenez and Jones exist, because while Jimenez has national team experience with the Aussies and Jones with New Zealand, both wear the Cherry and Silver, and as we all know … those are the colors that bind teammates for life.
The Lobo men’s soccer team begins camp in earnest on Wednesday, August 10, with the first of three exhibition games on Monday, August 15 at 7 p.m. against UNLV at the UNM Soccer Complex.
To purchase your 2016-17 Lobo Pride Pass, which will get you every men’s home soccer match as well as women’s soccer, volleyball, softball, baseball and track and field event, 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.
Late, but Great Additions
