Head coach Jeremy Fishbein has every reason to feel positive about the upcoming season for UNM men’s soccer team.
The Lobos, 12-7-1 last year, were once again picked to win the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation regular-season conference title.
“This team just continues to get better every practice,” Fishbein said. “They are all unified and play as a collective group, something we have not always done.”
The Lobos have already started the season strong with a 3-2 victory over No. 7 Tulsa in a preseason match Aug. 20. The team continued the force and toppled Missouri State 1-0 in another preseason match up, UNM has one more exhibition game at home against Fort Lewis this Friday before the season at-home opener against Saint Louis on Sept. 1.
Last season, the Lobos lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament to Portland, 2-1, in a heart-crushing overtime battle.
Despite the disappointing finish to the 2010 season, midfielder Michael Green said the Lobos have recharged their batteries this offseason.
Green, a returning junior and key team leader, said UNM is a cohesive unit this year, a cohesiveness that should serve the Lobos well if they make another appearance in the NCAA tournament.
“We are all committed to the goals we have set for this season, and we have the players that can definitely achieve them,” Green said.
Standing in the way is yet another tough nonconference season, with games against perennial powers UC Santa Barbara and St. Louis, as well as an interesting rematch against Portland on Sept. 12.
Senior Ryan Farquharson said the Lobos still need to improve their focus on the road. Last year, UNM finished 5-4-1 in games away from the UNM Soccer Complex.
This year, UNM’s speed bumps on the road include Dartmouth, conference rival Denver, Air Force, Sacramento State, San Jose State and UNLV.
Farquharson said winning the MPSF regular season title is more contingent on how UNM does on the road than at home.
“We are ready for the challenge and everyone here is ready to play as a team,” Farquharson said. “We have players with enthusiasm for the game and players with experience in crucial positions.”
*UNM vs. Fort Lewis
Friday
7 p.m.
Lobo Soccer Complex
*
