by Steven Fernandez
Daily Lobo
When Andrew Boyens was on the field for the UNM men's soccer team, opposing offenses usually left frustrated.
Now that his collegiate career is over, Boyens will be taking his outstanding defense to the professional level.
The former UNM defender was drafted 10th overall by the Toronto FC in the MLS Superdraft on Friday. Toronto traded with the Los Angeles Galaxy to acquire Boyens with the 10th pick.
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UNM head coach Jeremy Fishbein said he is happy Boyens will take his career to the next level.
"We're real excited for him," he said. "Toronto was one of the places he wanted to go. Everything worked out very well for him."
Boyens could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
As a Lobo from 2004-06,
Boyens was a key player on a dominant UNM defense the past few years. The 6-foot-4-inch defender helped lead the Lobos to the College Cup Final in 2005 and was named the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Player of the Year in 2004 and 2006.
He received All-American honors in 2005 and, in 2006, was a semifinalist for the Hermann Trophy, the award given to the top collegiate player in the country.
Boyens had a chance to be drafted higher, Fishbein said.
"There were some teams that had higher interest in him that would have taken him if he wanted to go there," he said. "He was interested in three or four places, and Toronto was one of them. They traded up for that pick because they needed help at that position, and I think it's a good fit for him."
With Boyens' help, the UNM defense was one of the stingiest in the nation. The team recorded 11 shutouts in 2004 and 2006 and set a school record with 13 shutouts in 2005.
Boyens' versatility was another important part of UNM's success. Though he was most known for his defense, Boyens occasionally moved up to midfielder to help generate offense.
He scored two goals in 2004 and 2006 and was second on the team in scoring in 2005 with seven goals and three assists.
Fishbein said Boyens had a big impact when he was with the Lobos.
"He was an integral part of our success while he was here," he said. "No doubt about it."
As good as Boyens was on the field, he performed as well in school. In 2005, he was named an NSCAA Scholar Athlete.
Fishbein said that he takes pride in how his athletes perform in the classroom, and Boyens excelled in that area.
"It's great for our program," he said. "The thing to me is that the guys that we have that are playing in the pros were all good students and very responsible and active in the community."
Boyens is the fifth Lobo to be drafted by the MLS. Former teammates Lance Watson, Brandon Moss and Jeff Rowland are on major league rosters.
Fishbein said he expects
Boyens to make an impact as a professional player.
"I think he'll do great," he said. "If he prepares himself, he's going to have a good rookie season."
