Staff Report
The UNM men's soccer team's dream season came to an end Wednesday in St. Louis, as it lost 1-0 to 18th-ranked St. Louis University.
The Lobos (18-4-0) lost to a ranked opponent in the second round of the NCAA Men's College Cup tournament for the second consecutive year.
The Billikens scored early in the first half as Jack Newbury poked in a cross from Nick Walls.
In the firgid weather, the Lobos were hard pressed to equalize in the remaining minutes, as St. Louis effectively shut down the potent UNM offense.
The Lobos were held to three shots in the game, with only two on goal. The Billikens got 13 shots off with six on goal.
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St. Louis scored the game winner in the 18th minute when senior forward Nick Walls broke free on the right side and centered a pass to senior midfielder Jack Jewsbury. Jewsbury shot a low ball into the right side of the goal for the game-winner. Lobo keeper Andrew Weber, who was partially screened from the play, was able to get his fingers on the ball but could not get the save.
UNM's best scoring chance came in the 36th minute when freshman Ryan McVay sent a freekick into the penalty box. Freshman Jeff Rowland was able to connect with the cross, but Billiken goalkeeper Martin Hutton palmed the ball around the post to make a crucial save.
The Lobos mustered one last chance in the 92nd minute when freshman Ben Ashwill drew Hutton out and centered to Stian Erikson whose shot attempt was stymied by the goalkeeper.
UNM finished the season with school records for most wins (18), most wins to start the season (8) and most home wins (10). The Lobos also won the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation regular season and tournament titles.
The bulk of the record breaking team returns next year, as the Lobos will lose just two seniors in Javier Carrasco and Junro Narita to graduation.
Maryland 1, St. Louis 0 (OT)
The Billikens (15-4-2) own NCAA adventure was ended Sunday by the second-seeded Terrapins in College Park, Md.
Maryland (19-4-0) scored the winning goal in the 95th minute when Dominic Mediate deflected a clearance by St. Louis' sophomore goalkeeper Martin Hutton. The Terrapins out-shot the Billikens 12-2 in the second half, forcing Hutton into six saves.
The Terrapins will host the University of Connecticut in the NCAA College Cup quarterfinals next weekend. The winner advances to the College Cup semifinals at Southern Methodist University's Ford Stadium Dec. 14 and 16.
