Women's Soccer Opens with Exhibition Against CSUP

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — UNM’s women’s soccer game on Tuesday night at 7:30 against CSU Pueblo won’t count.  In fact, it won’t be played exactly like a normal collegiate soccer game with three 30 minute periods instead of two 45 minute halves.  However, make no mistake … it’s important.

The Lobos will get to see several newcomers in action, and several big contributors from the 2017 season will be looking to step into new roles as UNM opens with the ThunderWolves in its only exhibition match before Friday’s season opener at Texas Tech.

While several spots are up for grabs, the one solid spot is goalkeeper, with the talented tandem of Emily Johnson, a junior, and Malia Vanisi, a redshirt freshman, holding down the fort.  Along with Johnson, who played every minute in goal last year, UNM returns seniors Jennifer Muñoz, Amelia Bierle and Jessica Nelson.  Nelson is the test case for head coach Heather Dyche, who is like a lot of players on the team.  Nelson was a main contributor in 2017, but she wasn’t a starter, and that could be said for countless others on the team.

There’s Jenna Killman who played in every match, but started just one, scoring two goals.  There’s Sarah Lucero who saw action in 16 games with one start.  Jill Olguin played 21 games with just two starts but logged more minutes then two starters did last year.  Aspen Headrick certainly goes into that group with 20 games but just one start with a goal and an assist.

So, Tuesday exhibition match, which will not be streamed, will be an exercise for Coach Dyche akin to a child with about 15 little jars of Play-Doh.  Take a combination of returners from this jar, smush then together with a few freshmen from this jar and see what happens.  Then try a different combination.  It’s all in the name of getting ready for the season opener on Friday.  

UNM was picked fifth in the Mountain West preseason poll despite a third place finish in 2017 and getting to the championship match, so as if the team needed any more motivation, there’s a little matter of the chip meeting the shoulder, and that can’t be good for UNM’s opponents.  It certainly should be good for UNM’s fans.  

Tuesday’s match is the first of 11 at home for the Lobos.  Remember that fans can purchase New Mexico Mutual Pride Passes for the 2017, which serves as a season ticket for not just Lobo women’s soccer, but volleyball, men’s soccer, baseball, softball, tennis and track and field.  Over 80 home events for just $50.  Click here for more information.