The Lobos return home today for a very important match against Conference USA leading 49ers. The Lobos are coming off a disappointing tie against Marshall, where they outplayed Marshall and had two headers that seemed headed for goals only to be cleared by defenders at the last second. It is important for the Lobos to build off the last three matches where they are 1-0-2, as if the Lobos want to make the NCAA Tournament, they need to continue to get results and find ways to make the most of the chances they create. Look for both sides in this match to play their style of play, with a lot of space to create, so taking care of the ball in the midfield will be imperative for the Lobos if they want to win this match. This will be a very exciting match so make plans to go out to UNM Soccer Complex and plan to lose your voice.
Things to Watch:
Lobos:
- Outscoring opponents 19 to 15
- Have been outscored 7 to 4 in the first half
- Have outscored opponents 15 to 8 in the second half
- Have only scored first half goals in two matches this season
- Have yet to score in both halves of a match
- Six Lobos have scored a goal this season
- Three Lobos have scored multiple goals this season
- Are 5-1-2 at home this season
- Chris Wehan leads the Lobos with 10 goals
- Josh Goss leads the Lobos with 4 assists
49ers:
- Outscoring opponents 21 to 9
- Outscoring opponents 9 to 3 in the first half
- Outscoring opponents 12 to 6 in the second half
- Have outshot opponents 203 to 116, on average 6.7 more shots per match
- Nine 49ers have scored a goal this season
- Three 49ers have scored multiple goals this season
- Are 2-3-1 on the road this season
- Kyle Parker leads the 49ers with 8 goals
- Brandt Bronico has 5 goals and leads the 49ers with 5 assists
As we can tell by some of these stats, the 49ers have done a fantastic job this season of controlling the ball and limiting their opponent’s opportunities in the offensive half by allowing only 8.6 shots per match. This match features the two leading goal scorers in Conference USA, so which team is able to control the other sides leading scorer will have a better chance of winning this match. It is very important for the Lobos to play well in the first half of this match to give them a chance to get to their better second half play.
No Early Second Half Goal:
The last two matches the Lobos have played have seen the opponent score in the first minute of the second half. It is important for the Lobos to come out for the second half ready for action and not allow the opponent to score an cheap early goal in the first minute. Besides the two goal line clearances by the Marshall defenders, this is the reason they didn’t win the match. Look for the coaching staff to make this point during half time and expect a very high level energy from the Lobos. Look for the first five minutes of each half and the last ten minutes of each half to be the deciding part of this match.
Players to Watch:
Lobos:
For the Lobos I will highlight the Lobos best playmaker and goal-scorer in Chris Wehan. When you play good sides, you need your best players to step up and be the impact player of the match. I know that Charlotte will look to shut down Wehan, so the Lobos need to be creative to find ways for him to be a force in the attack for this match. It is important for the other attacking players to be a threat and be able to play great balls to Wehan when he gets free.
49ers:
For the 49ers, I will be watching the impact that Kyle Parker has on the match. Expect Coach Fishbein and the other coaches to focus on limiting Parker’s impact on this match and preventing Charlotte’s top scorer from doing the damage. I expect a chess match between the coaches, with the 49ers trying to get Parker the ball in attacking situations and the Lobos looking to prevent that. It is important for the Lobos backline to be in sync as they will need to know where Parker is at all times. Look for the Lobos to try and keep Parker and Brandt Branico’s impact on the match to a minimum. In my opinion, whichever impact goal scorer has the better match, his team will win the match.
Prediction:
This is a match where I really don’t have sense of how it will play out. Will the Lobos be able to control the play and not allow the 49ers to outshoot them by over 7 shots? If the Lobos are able to control the pace of play and make the 49ers work hard to find any opportunities, I really like the chances for Lobos win. I put the odds of the Lobos winning this match in front of the Lobo faithful at 40%, and coming out of this match with at least a draw at 67%. I see this match ending in a 2-1 Lobos win with the goals coming from Wehan and Hansen. Use your DVR to record the LoBulls game and the World Series game so you can go cheer on your Lobos to victory!
Game Info:
What: New Mexico Lobos (7-4-3; 1-3-1) vs. Charlotte 49ers (7-4-2; 4-0-1)
Where: UNM Soccer Complex, Albuquerque, NM
When: October 27th, 7 PM MT
Stream: campusinsiders.com