ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The University of New Mexico men’s soccer program has released its 2017 spring schedule that is set to feature five top-quality opponents from March 4 through April 29, 2017.
“We are really excited about our spring schedule,” head coach Jeremy Fishbein said. “Our goal every spring is to test ourselves against top Division I competition and put ourselves in an environment that closely replicates what we’ll encounter in the fall. We have definitely done that with this schedule.”
The Lobos are coming off of an outstanding 2016 campaign that saw UNM earn its first Conference USA Tournament Championship and its 12th appearance in the NCAA Tournament over the past 16 years. In addition, Lobo All-American Niko Hansen was drafted ninth overall by the Columbus Crew in the 2017 MLS Super Draft.
The Lobos will kick off the 2017 spring schedule with a match against Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas on March 4 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the FC Dallas Showcase event set to feature over 2,000 youth players. Following the SMU matchup, the Lobos will travel to Phoenix, Ariz. to compete against Grand Canyon University before returning to New Mexico to face Air Force Academy at the Taos Sports Complex.
The Lobos lone home match will take place on April 22 at 12 p.m. against Colorado School of Mines at the UNM Robertson Practice Facility.
Following the home contest, the Lobos will complete their spring campaign with a tough match against Denver University. Denver topped UNM by a narrow 2-1 margin as the No. 5 team in the nation on Oct. 19, 2016 before playing its way to the semifinal round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament.
“We have four quality NCAA Division I opponents and one of the best Division II programs in the country ahead of us this spring season,” Fishbein said. “Spring games are a great opportunity for our young players to test themselves in preparation for the fall.”
2017 Men’s Soccer Spring Schedule:
Match 1 – Saturday, March 4 – 7:30 p.m.
vs. Southern Methodist University
FC Dallas Complex – Dallas, Texas
Match 2 – Saturday, March 11 – 7 p.m.
vs. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University – Phoenix, Ariz.
Match 3 – Saturday, April 15 – 12 p.m.
vs. Air Force Academy
Taos Sports Complex – Taos, N.M.
Match 4 – Saturday, April 22 – 12 p.m.
vs. Colorado School of Mines
UNM Robertson Practice Facility – Albuquerque, N.M.
Match 5 – Saturday, April 29 – 7 p.m.
vs. Denver University
DU Soccer Complex – Denver, Colo.