Men’s Soccer vs. UAB Preview

by Zach

It has been a disappointing start to the Conference USA schedule for both New Mexico and UAB, as they both look to get their seasons back on track in their match Sunday night in Albuquerque. The Lobos have played well for the most part, but haven’t been able to find results that they wanted in the last five matches. The Lobos’ NCAA Tournament hopes are still alive, but they need to start getting results or they will miss the Tournament for the second straight season. Look for the Lobos to come out with enough fire and passion to find the win they have been looking for. This should be a very entertaining match with a lot of action on the attacking sides.

Thing to Watch:

Lobos:

  • Outscoring opponents 15 to 12
  • Being outscored 6 to 4 in the first half while outscoring opponents 11 to 6 in the second half
  • Being outshot 176 to 160, on average 1.4 less shots per match
  • Five Lobos have scored a goal; only two have scored multiple goals
  • Chris Wehan leads the Lobos with 9 goals
  • Wayde Scibilia saw his first action as a Lobo, in Wednesday match against Valparaiso
  • Lobos are 4-1-2 at home

Blazers:

  • Being outscored 24 to 17
  • Being outscored 14 to 5 in the first half while outscoring opponents 12 to 10 in the second half
  • Being outshot 160 to 119, on average 3.7 less shots per match
  • Seven Blazers have scored a goal; four have scored multiple goals
  • Blazers have two goalkeepers this season that have started multiple matches
  • Blazers are 1-2-0 on the road

Players to Watch:

Lobos:

The Lobo that I will be watching in this match is Niko Hansen. The Lobos need to get him going to have a chance to get their offense rolling again. Hansen has been stuck on two goals for a while now and the Lobos need him to find goal number 3 tonight. Look for the Lobos to find Hansen in space and allow him to operate and give him chances to score goals. The Lobos need to take advantage of the UAB defense in the first half where they have given up 14 goals so far this season.

Blazers:

The Blazer that I will be watching in this match is senior forward Freddy Ruiz, who has 4 goals and 2 assists on the year. While he doesn’t lead the Blazers in either stat, he does lead them in shots taken with 38 shots and shots-on-goal with 21. He will be the player that the Lobos will have their give eyes and attention to at all times. If the Lobos are able to contain him, expect a Lobos victory. If not, it could be a long night for the Lobos backline.

Prediction:

I believe that this will be a match that will be decided in the first half, as the Blazers have really struggled in the first half this year and the Lobos attack has only scored in two of the first halves this season. If the Lobos are able to score at least one goal in the first half, I would expect the two second half teams to be even in the second half. I put the odds of the Lobos getting their first Conference USA win at 55% and at least getting a draw at 75%. I predict 2-1 Lobos win, with the goals coming from Wehan and Hansen. Come out to the UNM Soccer Complex and help lead your Lobos to victory.

Game Info:

What: New Mexico (6-4-2, 0-3-0) vs. UAB (4-7-0, 1-2-0)

Where: UNM Soccer Complex, Albuquerque, NM

When: Sunday October 18 at 6 PM MT

Stream: LoboTV