The start to the Conference USA season has not been what the Lobos were hoping for, finding themselves at 0-3-0 after three matches. Saturday was another example of playing on relatively even terms but struggling to find the net, especially in the first half. The Lobos need to find their stride again or their season could end up just like last season, where they missed the NCAA Tournament with a talented squad. I believe that they will regroup and find a way to make the NCAA Tournament. If they do, they will be a side that other teams won’t want to face.
ODU Match Recap (2-0 Loss):
In the match preview, I highlighted ODU’s senior midfielder Ivan Militar and he lived up to his billing. To me, he was the player of the match, winning the battle against UNM’s defense, which wasn’t able to make ODU play through other players. The match was scoreless for the first 27 minutes, until Militar sent a cross to the back post, where Michael Nelson was ready to send it back across to David Macsicza who knocked it in to give ODU a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute. The Lobos were able to keep the match at 1-0 heading into the half, allowing the second-half team a chance to get back into the match. Unfortunately, the task got a lot tougher when Josue Henriquez played a through ball to Militar and Militar did the rest to give ODU a 2-0 lead. The goal was Militar’s third of the season. Neither side was able to score the rest of the way, giving ODU the 2-0 win.
Notes from the Match:
Shots: 15 to 15, even
Shots on Goal: 7 to 2, ODU
Saves: 5 to 2, Lobos
Corner Kicks: 7 to 6, Lobos
Man of the Match: Ivan Militar, ODU
Upcoming Matches:
The Lobos return to Albuquerque and UNM Soccer Complex this week, playing their final non-conference match of the year against Valparaiso on Wednesday night. They will then look for their first Conference USA victory when they face UAB on Sunday Night. The Lobos need your support to help them get back on track, so make plans to get out to the UNM Soccer Complex and cheer on your Lobos.