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Friday, October 31, 2008

Lobo Men's NCAA Run in Danger

By Glen Rosales
For the Journal
       Jeremy Fishbein is not used to seasons like this one.
    Since his reign as the University of New Mexico men's soccer coach begain in 2002, the program has enjoyed unparalleled success.
    The Lobos have been to the NCAA Tournament four consecutive seasons. They have won the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation five of the past six seasons. New Mexico has been to the College Cup and was the national runner-up in 2005.
    Yet all of that means nothing this season, for the Lobos are in danger of missing the tournament for the first time since 2003.
    "When you're not getting goals, everybody gets frustrated," Fishbein said. "By most people's standards, we're having a decent season. But our standards are higher."
    New Mexico (7-5-2, 3-2 in MPSF) opens the second half of conference play tonight with a home match against UNLV. The Rebels (8-4-1, 3-2) put the Lobos into their current predicament with a 2-1 win Oct. 17 in Las Vegas, Nev.
    That leaves both teams two games behind Denver, which also beat UNM.
    The Lobos are coming off a 2-1 victory over Stanford, but the Cardinal have struggled as well. UNM's only strong victories thus far were over No. 2 Akron and No. 20 Louisville. But both of those came in September.
    Fishbein is hardly cashing in the season, but he knows UNM has a tough road ahead.
    "If we win our next (five) games, we definitely have a chance," he said.
    And if Denver loses one of its remaining games before the season finale Nov. 16 in Albuquerque, the Lobos will be right back in it.
    "I think they're going to have some troubles," Fishbein said. "I think we're going to have the opportunity to have a chance to play for a title."
    What's been particularly challenging this season from Fishbein's perspective is he's been armed with more individual talent then ever. At least on paper. Cashing in the championship-game appearance, Fishbein loaded the cupboard with players the program cold only dream of attracting in the past.
    "It's different this year," he said. "We really have a target on us. Having a target on them every single game is a real challenge. When you're beat by other teams, they're celebrating. Right now, we're not getting the pleasure out of our victories. It's almost like a relief."
    He can't really put a finger on one key element that's missing from the team, although injuries and rec-card absences have taken a toll.
    "We've had key players in and out of the mix," Fishbein said. "All you can do it prepare them and get them expecting to play for a championship. But right now, I know it's a cliché, but we can't look ahead any farther than the one game in front of us."Today New Mexico men vs. UNLV, 7 p.m., UNM Soccer and Track Complex
       

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