The Lobos (5-3-0) return to the 505 tonight for their first home conference match of the season. After dropping a 1-0 match against Kentucky in the conference opener, the Lobos look to take care of FIU (3-4-1, 1-1-0). This won’t be an easy match for the Lobos, but this could have the making of an offensive breakout for them. While FIU has controlled the amount of shots they have given up, they have allowed a goal on almost every 9 shots. I could also see this becoming a match were FIU could get into trouble early with a red card and have to play a man down for most of the match. If this is the case, the Lobos could open the floodgates and make this an ugly game. The Lobo defense really has just one player to stop and should be able to just that. I am very intrigued to see how this match plays out, and I just hope that the Lobos don’t get involved with FIU physical play, but can stick to their own style.
FIU Stats:
| FIU | Opponents | |
| Goals | 10 (5 1st Half, 5 2nd Half) | 11 (5 1st Half, 6 2nd Half) |
| Goals Per Game | 1.23 | 1.38 |
| Shots On Goal | 42-97 (.433) | 32-59 (.542) |
| Shots Per Game | 12.1 | 7.4 |
| Assists | 5 | 9 |
| Corner Kicks | 43 | 28 |
- Much like the Lobos, FIU has been a one-note attack this season, as Santiago Patino has scored 7 of their 10 goals. The Lobo defense will key in on stopping Patino and make FIU find another way to attack the Lobos defense.
- Arthur Clapot has started and played every minute in goal for FIU and has a 1.34 Goals Against Average.
- FIU has 22 Yellow Cards and 1 Red Card in their 8 matches this season. It will be important for the Lobos to keep their cool and not get involved in any physical altercation. I expect the referee will have knowledge of this and will keep an eye on what FIU is doing. I would be surprised if there isn’t an early yellow given to FIU to set the tone of match.
Lobo Stats:
| New Mexico | Opponents | |
| Goals | 9 (3 1st Half, 6 2nd Half) | 4 (2 1st Half, 2 2nd Half) |
| Goals Per Game | 1.13 | .5 |
| Shots On Goal | 49-111 (.441) | 29-73 (.397) |
| Shots Per Game | 13.9 | 9.1 |
| Assists | 5 | 2 |
| Corner Kicks | 51 | 37 |
- Niko Hansen has been great so far this season, scoring 6 of the 9 Lobo goals this season. Other Lobos will need to pick up the slack and you have to have the feeling that Chris Wehan will have a two goal game soon. Could this be the night?
- The Lobo defense has been so good this season, all because of the constant play of Aaron Herrera, Nick Rochowski, Matt Constant, Tom Smart and Jason Beaulieu. Beaulieu will be up for All-American Honors with his tiny .49 Goals Against Average.
- If they’re going to go on a run, the Lobos need to find a way to get a first half goal in every match. If they are able to do this, they will be able to put all the pressure on the opponents. The Lobos haven’t done a good job of this so far this season and have put too much pressure on themselves in the second half of matches.
Match Prediction:
I really like the Lobos chances in this match. While the Lobos have struggled to score so far this season, one thing they have done is limit chances for their opponents. I have the Lobos at a 47% chance of winning the match and an 82% chance of getting a result. I see the Lobos winning this match 3-0 behind two goals from Chris Wehan and a goal by Luke Lawrence. Should be a great match to open the Balloon Fiesta Weekend.
Game Info:
Who: New Mexico Lobos (5-3-0, 0-1-0) vs. FIU Panthers (3-4-1, 1-1-0)
When: Friday, September 30th, 2016, 7 PM M.T.
Where: UNM Soccer Complex, Albuquerque, NM
Stream: Golobos.com