University of New Mexico athletics is more than just football and basketball.
UNM, with an enrollment over 20,000 is home to a number of athletic programs that offer something for everyone. But if winning is what you are in the mood for, Lobos men's and women's soccer is the ticket for you.
With both teams off to their best starts in school history, UNM soccer offers every bit the thrills of their more recognized counterparts. The winning ways of the soccer teams has added to the excitement. UNM alumni and Lobos soccer fan Evan Vasilion agrees,
"As a fan you can appreciate coming out to the games more," Vasilion said. "I love to see my team win."
With a women's team (6-4-0) that is ranked in the top five in goals, shooting and saves in the Mountain West Conference and a men's team (8-2-0) that is scoring over two goals a game, winning is becoming a familiar theme.
The soccer programs have also produced three players of the week awards in their respective conferences. Freshman forward Ben Ashwill and sophomore goalkeeper Andrew Weber were honored for their accomplishments with the men's team. Junior striker Erchen Theys was honored for her achievements with the women's team.
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The success of the Lobos is something that fans enjoy very much.
"When you come out to a game and your team is winning, it just makes it that more fun," said Chris Dibble, UNM graduate and Lobos supporter.
Winning is not the only reason to come out and see the Lobos though. Each game offers an outdoor atmosphere that provides a creative way to break the social monotony of student life at UNM. With inexpensive admission and concessions, many students have found Lobos soccer to be the perfect place to unwind.
"I think these games are a lot of fun," said UNM student Kevin Smith. "I don't need to bring a lot of money to the game to have a good time and that's pretty cool."
This is not to suggest that any athletic team is more important to UNM than any other. But as the warmth of the Albuquerque summer rescinds into the subtle chill of fall, each team moves closer to a championship bid. As the number of opponents these two teams face dwindles, so too does your opportunity to catch them in action.
The Lobo women have been on a 10-game road trip since Sept. 12. This weekend the women play Oregon State University and Portland State University on the road. They will return home to face the Brigham Young University Cougars on Oct. 17. The men are coming off losses to Cal State Fullerton and the University of California at Irvine last week on the road and look to avenge those losses when they return home to host the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the UNM Soccer Complex.
