by Steven Fernandez
Daily Lobo
When forward Chris Wright is on top of his game, that means good things for the UNM men's soccer offense.
Fortunately for the Lobos, Wright has been on a roll lately, scoring at least one goal in each of the last five games.
UNM head coach Jeremy Fishbein said Wright is in a zone that has been exciting to watch.
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"Chris Wright's just gaining confidence more and more every game," he said. "He expects to score goals, and he's fighting and making it happen."
Wright is coming off an impressive weekend, scoring three goals in UNM's first two Mountain Pacific Sports Federation games.
In a 1-1 draw with Denver on Friday at the UNM Soccer Complex, Wright put the Lobos up with a goal in the 57th minute.
UNM ended with a disappointing tie, but Wright and the Lobo offense exploded against Air Force on Sunday, winning 6-0. Wright scored two of those goals, bringing his season total to seven.
Wright said he's thrilled he's been able to produce so much on offense.
"You just hope that you can keep that up," he said. "It's been real good for me the last five games. I think it's a mentality. It's something you have to keep your
focus on."
And even though it has been a team effort for the Lobos, Wright's offensive production has helped boost UNM's record. All of Wright's goals have come in the last five games, and the Lobos have gone 4-0-1 in that stretch.
UNM goalkeeper Mike Graczyk said Wright puts extra effort into practice, and he's not surprised with the results.
"Chris really deserves it," he said. "He's out there every day, working really hard. He's constantly finishing balls after practice, and he deserves every bit that he gets. He exemplifies what it means to be a Lobo. It's good to see him getting those finishes."
Wright, a junior, is no stranger to success. He led UNM in scoring in 2006 with six goals and three assists.
He was named second team All-MPSF and had an outstanding performance in perhaps the most important game of 2006.
UNM needed a victory against Denver in that year's regular season finale to win the conference and earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Wright came through in a big way, scoring two goals and an assist in the Lobos' 3-0 win.
Wright said he is focused on helping the team to another successful season first and foremost.
But that doesn't mean he doesn't have a number he's chasing.
"I want to try to get to double digits - that's been my goal from the start," he said. "But, what's more important is the team wins. If we can do that with or without me, team success is the
greatest thing."
More than likely, Wright will continue to be a part of the offense's success, Fishbein said.
He said Wright's confidence level is a big asset to the Lobos.
"It's exciting," Fishbein said. "Anytime you get a forward who knows he's going to score - he's that hungry - it's a good
situation."
