Weekly Soccer Recap (9/21/16)

by Zach

After three straight weekends of playing two games each, both Lobo soccer teams took it a little easy this week with only one match. They made those matches count, however, with the women pulling out a 2-0 win against NMSU in their first home game while the men took to the road to beat UC Irvine 3-1. Both teams are on a roll right now, which is great timing, as conference play starts this weekend.

Women’s Recap

The Lobos (4-2-2) had a dominant win against instate rival NMSU, with the 2-0 final score understating how well they played. The Lobos controlled the ball the entire match and the final could have just as easily been 5-0. It took a while for the Lobos to break through and score, but 2 goals in a span of 2:21 during the second half gave the Lobos the 2-0 win. The Lobos outshot NMSU 38-7 and had a 17-3 shots on goal advantage. The Lobos also had 12 corner kicks to the Aggies’ 2. It was great to see the great fan support at the home opener. If the Lobos can get that support for every match, it would be one of the best home field advantages in the country.

Trends and Thoughts:

  • After dropping their first two matches of the season, the Lobos are 4-0-2 in their last six matches, including a 3-0-2 record on the road. The Lobos are starting to hit their stride and are doing so at the start of conference play.
  • After getting to watch the team live for the first time this season, I liked the style of play they are using, with lots of attacking. They are always looking to put pressure on the backline of the opponents, which not only sets up a lot of chances, but is also a fun and exciting style to watch. Good chances lead to goals, and the Lobos have a chance to be a high scoring team in Conference play.
  • The second goal of the match for the Lobos by Savannah Viola was a beautiful strike from the corner of the 18-yard box. It was a special effort and shows how dynamic this attack can be.
  • The Lobos continued their dominance over NMSU, winning all seven matches and outscoring them 14-1.
  • The Lobos are now on a three-match shutout streak and are 2-0-1 in those three matches.

Players of the Week:

Week 5: The goal-scorers, Savannah Viola and Claire Lynch.

Upcoming:

The Lobos will open Mountain West Conference play this weekend at home with matches on Friday and Sunday against Colorado College and Air Force, respectively. The Lobos should get off to a great start to the conference schedule against the two Colorado Springs schools, which will set them up nicely as they get into the tougher part of conference play.

Men’s Recap

In their lone match of the weekend, the Lobos (5-2-0) ended up having a special performance from senior forward Niko Hansen against UC Irvine. The Anteaters had no answer for Hansen from the opening whistle, as he scored his first goal of the match in the 3rd minute. Niko didn’t stop there, adding two more goals for the hat trick, which led to a 3-1 Lobo win. The Lobos have now won five straight while outscoring opponents 9-1 during the streak.

Trends and Notes:

  • Niko Hansen has been fantastic so far this season and added to it this game with the hat trick. Hansen has positioned himself in the All-American conversation with six of the nine Lobo goals, and leads the nation with four game-winning goals. Right now it is Niko’s world and we’re just living in it!
  • While the Lobos didn’t get their 5th straight shutout, the continued their 10-match streak of not allowing a goal in live game action (2 penalty kicks, and 1 corner kick). To go this long without conceding a goal in a set defense in an impressive feat.
  • While Luke Lawrence hasn’t scored a goal, he has done a great job of putting pressure on the defense. It is just a matter of time before he finds a couple of goals.
  • The Lobos will start Conference USA play this weekend. With a win at Kentucky, the Lobos will be in a great spot for a National Seed – thanks to their performance in non-conference play – and will look to be in the top tier of CUSA.
  • After struggling to score in the first half of matches, the Lobos were able to find their first goal in the first half of this match and all three goals in the first 56 minutes of the match. With the Lobo defense being as strong as it is, an early goal gives the Lobos an insanely high probability for a result.
  • Getting into conference play, scouting reports will become more extensive and the conference foes will be keying on Hansen, which should open things up for Chris Wehan and the other attacking players. We know that Wehan can step up and score in bunches, but it will be good to see someone else join in as well.
  • Hansen was named Player of the Week and the Lobos are ranked 25th by College Soccer News. Lobos are also ranked 21st in the NSCAA Coaches Poll. A win on Sunday against Kentucky would almost certainly move the Lobos into the top 15.

Player of the Week:

Week 4: When a guy gets a hat trick, it’s hard to argue against him, so Niko Hansen.

Upcoming:

The Lobos will have a week to prepare for their first Conference USA match at Kentucky on Sunday. Kentucky is also a title-contending team in the conference, so stealing a win there could give the Lobos a leg up in the conference title race.

We’ll have conference and match previews up later this week, so stay tuned to get ready for a couple of potential title runs!