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Seniors Blake Smith (right) and Devon Sandoval manhandle a UC Irvine defender on Sunday. The Lobos face Fairfield University tonight in the Nike Lobo Invitational at the UNM Soccer Complex.

Lobos team up with ALS walk

sports@dailylobo.com

The UNM men’s soccer team continues to rack up wins and move up the polls.

The Lobos (5-1-0) rank No. 5 in the NSCAA poll. UNM will kick off its last regular season tournament Friday in the Nike Lobo Invitational against Fairfield University (3-2-0). On Sunday, New Mexico will take on Northern Illinois University (1-3-2).
The Fairfield Stags only allow an average 0.57 goals per game, which is No. 18 in the nation. The Northern Illinois Huskies allow an average 1.17 goals per game.

UNM head coach Jeremy Fishbein said both opponents provide difficult circumstances for the Lobos’ offense.

“Both played in the NCAA tournament last year. They are good, defensive, tough teams. They’re going to be dangerous on set pieces,” he said. “We need to take the ball and our opportunities, like every game.”

Fishbein said focus and a dependable defense are essential to New Mexico’s success in the invitational.

“Our No. 1 goal going into this weekend is to eliminate any defensive mistakes and openings; offensively, we want to take our chances,” Fishbein said. “Consistency, maturity and focus are the key points going into this weekend.”
After last weekend’s invitational, the Lobos’ winning streak for home games stretched to 15 games, the second longest in the program’s history. The record stands at 18 games, set by the 1983-85 squad.
This season, UNM has averaged 2,908 fans per game, which is on pace to be the second highest since 2005.
“There’s a lot of excitement,” said junior defender Kyle Venter. “It’s one of the best places to play considering the altitude and the support we get week-in and week-out.”
Playing at home, though, does provide pressure to perform.
“We have to win at home. We don’t lose at home. We have great supporters and atmosphere,” Fishbein said. “We have to capitalize on that. We’ve done it so far, so the plan is to continue.”
Senior forward Levi Ross said it has been a difficult transition to have the entire roster available.
“There is competition,” Ross said. “We have 26 really good guys; it’s a healthy competition because guys have to play well every single week, but we have faith in each other. Whoever is on the field, we know will get the job done.”
Sunday’s match against Northern Illinois will be more than a game — a fundraising effort called the “Walk to Defeat ALS” will start at 10 a.m. at the UNM Soccer Complex. All donations will go toward the ALS Foundation to find a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Participants in the walk will receive T-shirts and can attend the game for $3. Anyone interested is encouraged to sign up at alsa.org.
Former Lobo Patrick Grange died due to complications from ALS last year. Grange was a member of UNM’s soccer team in the 2003 and 2004 seasons, during which he earned 2003 MPSF All-Tournament honors.
“ALS is something that has been too near and dear in our heart,” Fishbein said. “We have been committed to help in any way that we can with the big fundraising effort this Sunday.”

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