The University of New Mexico men’s soccer team has added two new international players to its roster in Maliek Howell of Jamaica and Carlton McKenzie of England, the program announced on Tuesday.
Howell comes to the Lobos from Kingston, Jamaica where he has competed for the national team at the U17 and U20 levels. At Jamaica College, he was named Sports Man of the Year in 2015-16, and one of the top six players at the Digicel Kickstart Clinic at the Manchester City Football Club Academy.
"I have chosen UNM because it is the best option for me and my family ... I see this as a great opportunity to learn and grow as a person and a leader,” Howell said in a release. “I bring all I am to contribute to the success of my team and teammates because life is not only about being successful but to be significant and to make an impact."
Howell will play as part of the defense for the Lobos, who face the tall task of replacing defender Aaron Herrera, who signed a homegrown contract with Real Salt Lake of MLS in January.
"Maliek is a wonderful young man who values hard work, is a natural leader and is very ambitions both as a student and as a player,” head coach Jeremy Fishbein said in a release. He will bring a much valued drive and competitiveness to our team as he will settle for nothing but excellence from himself and his teammates. Maliek has played competitively for high-profile teams in Jamaica and that success will help him on his future path.”
Carlton McKenzie comes to the Lobos from Birmingham, England via Tyler (Tx.) Junior College. McKenzie played two years at Tyler Junior College and helped the team to a national championship in 2017, scoring the game winning goal in the National Championship game. In 23 matches, he scored 10 goals and added 5 assists. As a youth player, he competed for Coventry City and Walsall Football Club in England.
“I chose UNM because I wanted to play soccer at an institution where nothing but the best is required, on and off the field," McKenzie said in a release.
"Carlton has really impressed us with his maturity and drive,” Fishbein said. “He knows what it takes to win games, loves challenges and has proven himself in big moments. He has a wonderful soccer pedigree, has excelled in both England and in the USA and has an outstanding understanding of the game and what it takes to achieve. He will be an exciting player to watch."
McKenzie has two years of eligibility remaining.
The Lobos resume their spring schedule on March 31 against Denver at 11 a.m at Robertson Field.
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Cameron Goeldner is a sports beat reporter and photographer for the Daily Lobo. He primarily covers men’s soccer and softball but also contributes content for baseball, basketball, football and track and field. He can be contacted at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @goeldfinger.
