The Lobos (0-1-1) return to action tonight, as they take on #13 UCSB (1-0-1) in the final game of the Grange & Ashwill Memorial Invitational. Friday’s action in the tournament was exciting and lead to two 2-2 draws. In their game against Denver, UCSB came back and tied the game late with a goal from Nick DePuy in the 78th minute. For the Lobos, two goals by Chris Wehan was not enough, as they gave up the game tying goal in the 82nd minute against San Diego. It will be interesting to see if those results have any lingering effects going into this match. These two teams did not face each other last season, but did play a thrilling match two years ago, when Niko Hansen scored with less than 20 seconds left to give the Lobos a 1-0 win.
For New Mexico to come out with the win they need to shore up the defense, particularly on set pieces, as the Gauchos have size that can lead to some problems for the Lobos in those situations. On the bright side, the Lobo defense still hasn’t given up a goal this year when the defense is set up and defending an attack. Hopefully they can continue that streak today. The Lobos can’t be loose with the ball in the middle of the field, since this is a very talented Gauchos side that will take advantage of mistakes. The Lobos need to be the attacking side that puts pressure on the UCSB midfield and backline, and make the Gauchos chase after the ball and use the home field to their advantage. To me, it is important for the Lobos to get on the board early where the pressure is on The Gauchos. If the Lobos get the lead, they need to keep on playing the way that got them the lead and not be complacent. That is what came back to get them Friday night against San Diego.
Players to Watch: Every game, we can focus on Chris Wehan and how important he is to the Lobo side, but someone else needs to step up and take pressure of him and make the Gauchos side focus on other playmakers. I think that player needs to be Niko Hansen. If he can also create opportunities, it will open things up for the midfield and allow them more space to operate.
Tonight, keep an eye on Nick Rochowski and Chris Gurule to see how match up against very talented forward Nick DePuy. After watching the Gauchos play on Friday Night against Denver, while the team’s talent is evident with a lot of skill, size and athletic ability, DePuy was the player that I came away most impressed by. He’s a 6-4 junior forward and is coming of a season where he led the Gauchos with 10 goals scored. Already this year, he has scored a goal in each of the first two games for the Gauchos. If the Lobos are able to control DePuy, the Gauchos will be under pressure find another way to score.
Predictions: Both sides are very talented and are still trying to find an identity. In my opinion, this can be the game that changes New Mexico’s season one way or another. I expect the Lobos to come out with the win because of the home crowd and taking Coach Fishbein coaching after Friday’s frustrating draw. I would put the odds of a Lobos win at 57% and at least a tie at 73%. My score prediction for this game is 3-2 Lobos win. This should be another very exciting game to watch and to see the Lobos play against another great soccer program. Come on out and support the Lobos and help them get the win!
Game Info
In Albuquerque
At UNM Soccer Complex
Game Time: 6 PM MT
Stream: LOBO TV