by Steven Fernandez
Daily Lobo
After a few hiccups at the start of the season, Mike Graczyk is having what could be one of the most memorable seasons for a UNM soccer player.
The Lobo senior goalkeeper is coming off a historical weekend in California.
In a 4-0 win over Cal-State Northridge on Sept. 20, he notched his 26th shutout, breaking UNM's career record.
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UNM head coach Jeremy Fishbein said Graczyk's record was a milestone for the soccer program.
"It means a ton," he said. "It just shows how stable he's been and the quality defense he's had in front of him. He's been real good."
The record means a lot to Graczyk, but his teammates should get as much recognition, he said.
"It's definitely an honor and something to be proud of," he said. "I've been a part of some great defenses, and this weekend was an example of that. It's kind of a team award more than anything."
Neither Graczyk nor the team let the record become a distraction. Just two days later, UNM had to take on No. 12 San Francisco on the road.
Graczyk led the Lobo defense - as well as a resurgent offense - to another shutout, downing San Francisco 2-0.
UNM's consecutive shutouts last weekend prove the team belongs among the elite in the country, Graczyk said.
"I think, as a whole and a collective, it was the best weekend we've put together so far," he said. "If we play to our potential, we can beat any team we play."
The Lobos have looked more like an upper-tier team lately than they did at the start of the season.
UNM started the season 1-2-0 and lost its two preseason games, not living up to its preseason ranking of No. 9.
And Graczyk - who recorded 11 shutouts last season - gave up five goals in the first three regular
season games.
Fishbein said he never lost confidence in Graczyk or the team, and it was just a matter of getting the Lobos to mesh well on the field.
"We had a lot of confidence in our players. It was just a matter of combinations," he said. "It was just hard to find out who played best beside each other. The biggest thing was just confidence."
Since then, Graczyk and the
defense have given up just two goals in five games, leading the Lobos to a 4-1 record in that span.
Graczyk said the team's chemistry is the best it has been all
season.
"I'm just confident in our team more than anything," he said. "They've been doing great."
With the shutout record behind him, Graczyk is focused on helping the team get as far as it can this season. He said the Lobos have the players to make a championship run if they stay disciplined and play every game at their best.
And with the type of players UNM brings in every year, Graczyk said he doesn't expect his shutout record to be long-standing.
"The way the program is going, I wouldn't expect to have this record too long," he said. "I kind of see this team going up and up. I think it's only a matter of time before the next guy comes along and breaks it."
Men's soccer vs. Denver
October 5, 7 p.m.
UNM Soccer Complex
