ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — In continuing the pattern of Lobo men’s soccer success, redshirt-sophomore Patrick Khouri has accepted an exciting opportunity to pursue a professional playing career. The opportunity means the UNM two-year starter will immediately depart the program and forgo his final two years of eligibility.
“We are sad to see Patrick depart our program early, but he has been presented with an incredible professional playing opportunity and his lifelong dream has been to be a professional soccer player,” head UNM men’s soccer coach Jeremy Fishbein said. “Patrick is committed to continuing his education and leaves New Mexico in good academic standing.”
Khouri will begin preseason camp on February 3 in Finland and will be playing for Finnish football club GBK Kokkola (Gamlakarleby Bollklubb). The team currently plays in the Finnish Second Division.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent The University of New Mexico at the professional level,” Patrick Khouri said. “My time here has helped me grow as a person on and off the field and I would like to thank my teammates, Coach Fishbein, Coach Souders, Coach Graczyk and everyone associated with the men’s soccer program for helping me achieve a lifelong goal.”
Khouri has been a member of the Lobo men’s soccer program for three seasons, redshirting as a true freshman in 2014. Khouri started all 18 games in 2015 and was named to the Conference USA All-Freshman team in his first season on the field, playing 1,438 minutes and splitting his time between midfield and right back. In his most recent season, Khouri started all 22 games and was a mainstay at the midfield position.
“I am confident that Patrick can make an impact at GBK Kokkola and has the ability and drive to have a very successful professional playing career,” Fishbein said. “Patrick was an integral part of our program and he will be missed.”