ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Since stepping on campus a week ago, the University of New Mexico women’s soccer team has worked diligently to get prepared for the 2016 season – and nothing was different Tuesday morning at Robertson Field.
The Lobos worked on crisp touches, efficient movement and clear communication as they prepare for their 2016 season opener at Texas Tech on Aug. 19.
However, UNM will get its first taste of 11-on-11 competition 7 p.m. Thursday when they play its annual scrimmage – the Cherry & Silver Game – at the UNM Soccer Complex.
“I think the Cherry & Silver will give us a chance to work on some of the things we’ve been working on all week,” said UNM assistant coach Karley Nelson, who is assuming the head coaching duties while head coach Heather Dyche is in Brazil assisting the U.S. Soccer Women’s National Team with scouting. “We’re excited to work on our defending shape, our attacking shape and our thirds play so this is a chance to kind of see those things come to life.”
The Lobos have 21 players returning from last season’s team that went 10-8-2 overall, took third in the Mountain West with a 7-3-1 mark and were eliminated in the Mountain West Tournament semifinals in penalty kicks by San Jose State.
One of those players returning is redshirt senior Katie Hinman, who said the team is eager to get on the field in a game situation.
“I think from both sides it is going to be a good competition,” Hinman said. “We’re stoked for the season and for the Cherry & Silver. It’s a chance to play 11 versus 11. We can put together all the things we’ve been working on.”
Along with the 21 returning players there are 13 new faces – including 12 freshmen, giving the coaches plenty to think about when determining a starting lineup for the Lobos’ season opener.
“For us we are still trying to figure out who our starting 11 is going to be,” Nelson said. “We have a lot of new girls this year – a lot of incoming freshmen – and we have a lot of great returners. They are all fighting for those starting spots. It’s going to be fun to see who goes out there and competes and can make a statement.”
Along with Thursday’s Cherry & Silver Game, the Lobos will host an exhibition 6 p.m. Sunday against Eastern New Mexico. Both games are free to attend.
Fans can purchase the 2016-17 Lobo Pride Pass for $50, which provides admission to every home women’s soccer match, plus all home volleyball, men’s soccer, softball, baseball and track & field events.
For more information, fans can contact Lobo Athletic Ticket representatives Joe Gehling at (505) 925-1620 or Andrew Aho at (505) 925-5526 or visit the Lobo Ticket Office located in WisePies Arena.
Follow the UNM women’s soccer team on Twitter (@nmlobowsoccer) or on Instagram (@lobo_womens_soccer) for updates and information on your Lobos!