The UNM men's soccer team is on a roll.
By defeating the Cal Poly Mustangs 3-0 and the University of Evansville Purple Aces 2-1 in overtime last weekend, the Lobos got two crucial wins and extended their undefeated record to 6-0.
Standing alone in first place atop the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation rankings, UNM is the only undefeated team in the conference.
The top six teams in the MPSF advance to the conference championships, which will be held in Albuquerque this year. The Lobos are proving that not only will they be there but they will also be the team to beat.
Unbeaten thus far, the Lobos have started stronger than any other team in school history. Conquering opponents with and lethal mixture of devastating defense and explosive offense, UNM has proven that it is a force to be reckoned with in the MPSF.
Sophomore goalkeeper Andrew Weber was selected this week's MPSF player of the week. With seven career shutouts, Weber is a defensive leader and a formidable presence in goal. The honor marks the second time a Lobo player has received the MSPF player of the week award in as many weeks. Freshman powerhouse Ben Ashwill received the honor last week.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
The awards don't stop there for Ashwill. Going into Friday's tournament he is ranked 10th in the nation in scoring by College Soccer News with six goals and 13 points. Ashwill was also named to the College Soccer News' national team of the week.
UNM is celebrating team success as well. College Soccer News has the Lobos ranked 28th in the nation. The ranking is the school's best since 1997, when the Lobos were ranked as high as 15th. UNM also ranks 17th in the nation in goals against average allowing less than one goal per game. The Lobos are also tied for first among schools in the nation for win/loss percentage.
Junior midfielder and team captain Javier Carrasco understands that the good fortune of the team relies more on chemistry and teamwork and less on luck.
"Things are going our way right now," Carrasco said. "We're scoring goals, creating opportunities, we're playing together. We are a team right now, we look good, and all these fans supporting us is great."
While the success of the whole team is something that UNM is thankful for, Carrasco is aware that continued winning requires focus.
"We need to keep working together, playing as a team, creating opportunities," Carrasco said. "The whole team has to produce and that is what has been happening so it looks good."
UNM looks to extend its unbeaten streak this weekend as the Lobo Invitational. The Lobos kick off Friday at the UNM Soccer Complex matching up with Georgia State University at 7:30 p.m. UNM soccer action continues on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. when the Lobos play Southwest Missouri State University.
