by Steven Fernandez
Daily Lobo
In 2005, Andrew Boyens was the second-leading scorer on the UNM men's soccer team.
During the team's historic run to the College Cup final last season - and at times this season - Boyens has been an asset to the Lobos' offensive attack.
And Boyens, listed as a defender on the UNM roster, also happens to be one of the best in the nation in the backfield, helping the Lobo defense record eight shutouts in 13 games this season.
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Before the start of the 2006 season, Boyens was named to the Hermann Trophy Watch List as well as a preseason All-American.
UNM head coach Jeremy Fishbein said Boyens has lived up to expectations.
"He's been pretty consistent," he said. "He's had a good year so far, and that's what we expect out of him. He's a quality player."
Boyens said he prefers to play defender but is willing to play any position.
"It depends on the game, really," Boyens said. "I don't mind playing in the midfield, but I feel that I'm probably most effective at the back. But there have been a couple of games where I feel that I've done pretty well at the midfield."
In UNM's 1-1 draw with No. 1 Southern Methodist University on Sept. 15, the Lobos had a tough time generating an attack in the first half and trailed, 1-0. In the second half, Boyens was moved to midfield to help the offense be more aggressive.
While the Lobos were unable to pull out the victory, Boyens helped UNM get on the board to earn
the tie.
Although Boyens hasn't been as productive on the offensive end this season as he was in 2005, other players have stepped up and allowed him to hold down the
defense.
"I think I've done OK this season, but I haven't scored the same number of goals," Boyens said. "This year, I've been hanging back a little bit more in the back and letting some other guys do the scoring, which a few guys are, so it's really good."
Coming into the 2006 season, Boyens had to take on an expanded role. He and Lars Loeseth are the only seniors on the men's soccer team, meaning he would have to help shape many young, talented players.
Boyens said he accepted that role and has received help.
"I think I tried to take it upon myself to be a leader," he said. "We've got a few leaders here. We've got (goalkeeper Mike) Graczyk in the back, who always leads by example, and we've got Lars, the other senior, who's really vocal as well."
While he's focused on this season, last year's run to the College Cup final was a thrill and continues to be a motivation this season, Boyens said.
"It was awesome," he said. "It's a very memorable season. But at the moment, I'm looking forward to hopefully emulating it this season, because I do believe we have the team to do it."
Boyens has been all over the field this season, anchoring the Lobo defensive backfield and has been a key to UNM going 6-1 in its last seven games, Fishbein said.
"That's what we expected," he said. "He's been great. He's done all we could ask for. We got a lot of games left, and hopefully he keeps it up."
