by Steven Fernandez
Daily Lobo
If focus was a concern for the UNM men's soccer team, this weekend's home tournament should provide all the motivation it needs.
Starting Friday at the UNM Soccer Complex, the No. 28 Lobos will host one of the most prestigious tournaments in the country, with all four participating teams nationally ranked.
Included in the field is No. 9 UC-Santa Barbara, the defending national champion. No. 3 Southern Methodist and No. 24 Washington are also participating
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UNM head coach Jeremy Fishbein said the tournament is a great opportunity not only for his team, but for soccer fans in the city.
"That's what it's all about," he said. "That's what we want to do for the soccer community and for our players. We want to play the best teams."
The Lobos kick off action at 7 p.m. Friday against Washington, which is 1-1-1. The Huskies will field an experienced team against UNM, returning nine starters. Last year, Washington was 13-7-1 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
It will be the first meeting between the Huskies and Lobos. Fishbein said he has a lot of respect for Washington.
"They're just a physical team and an athletic team that's used to success," he said. "It's going to be a good game."
UNM will end the weekend against UC-Santa Barbara. And even though playing against last year's national champions is a great opportunity, Fishbein said he is not looking past Washington.
After splitting two home games last weekend, the Lobos' record stands at 2-2-0.
Fishbein said that although his team beat Cincinnati 1-0 on Sunday, his players didn't play up to their full potential.
With the caliber of teams coming to UNM's home field this weekend, Fishbein said he expects the Lobos to play with full intensity.
"We're just focusing on (tonight)," he said. "I think we got a good team. The guys seem hungry."
Fans who attend this weekend's
games might witness history for UNM goalkeeper Mike Graczyk. The senior is tied with former Lobo Andrew Weber for the school record in shutouts,
with 25.
Graczyk said he would love to break the record at home, but he is more concerned with winning the games against Washington and UC-Santa Barbara.
"I don't think there's going to be too much pressure," he said. "I think more than anything we want to come out with two wins against two very good teams. If it does happen, after the game maybe it will pop up in my head."
Overall, Fishbein said it's a huge weekend for his team to find out how the season is going to turn out.
If the Lobos want to continue their recent trend of conference championships and NCAA Tournament runs, this weekend will be a big stepping stone for them.
"It's a chance to kick-start things," he said. "We're excited about this opportunity."
Men's soccer vs. Washington
Today, 7 p.m.
UNM Soccer Complex
