With just seven games left in the regular season, head coach Jeremy Fishbein said the New Mexico men’s soccer team has the chance to prove its worth.
“It’s not about looking for excuses. It’s overcoming what may be perceived as obstacles,” he said. “I think it’s an exciting time. We have good players and they have to deliver if we want to be great. That’s what we aspire to be, not good. You aspire to be great.”
Tonight the Lobos find themselves in Boca Raton, Florida to face FAU.
The Owls (1-5-2, 1-0-1) are coming off a 3-0 victory against the Marshall University Thundering Herd. It was the Owls’ first win of the season. Jason Fitzgerald gave his team the lead by scoring a goal 16 minutes into the match.
FAU managed to shut out its opponent even though the Herd outshot the Owls 15-8.
The next two goals came during the second half thanks to a brace by Senior Ramon Whittaker. Whittaker scored his first goal in the 60th minute, and his second followed only four minutes later.
Last time UNM and FAU faced each other, the Lobos defeated the Owls 2-0.
“They are comfortable, nothing to lose. It’s a team you have to be really respectful of. And we have to approach every game like that. There’s never an easy game in college soccer,” he said.
The Lobos haven’t had any trouble outshooting their opponents this season. However, not all of those shots have converted into goals.
Fishbein said his team is creating chances but not finishing the plays. He knows goals are needed to win games and said his team could use some work on the attacking third.
Fishbein also pointed out his team does not have “that one guy” that everyone counts on for scoring goals.
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“When you look at great teams there is usually one guy banging in some goals,” he said.
The No. 12 Lobos will be back on their home field on Sunday when they face Missouri State University (5-3-2, 2-0-0).
The Missouri State Bears won their last game 2-0 against Drake University. They will be facing Oral Roberts University at a home game before they travel to face the Lobos.
“They have a winning record. They are a tough, well-coached team.” Fishbein said. “It’s not going to be easy but we’ll hopefully set ourselves up for a big one with a good result on Wednesday.”
I sabel Gonzalez is a sports reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @cisabelg.
