Men's Soccer Downs Yavapai, 2-0, in First Scrimmage of 2002 - University of New Mexico Official Athletic Site

Men's Soccer Downs Yavapai, 2-0, in First Scrimmage of 2002

Freshman Ricky Francis

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Albuquerque, N.M. - The University of New Mexico mens soccer team defeated Yavapai Junior College in their opening exhibition of the 2002 season today. The Lobos won the contest 2-0 in the UNM Soccer Complex. Freshmen Ricky Francis and Erik Bagwell both scored for UNM as sophomore goalkeepers Andrew Weber and Josef Bachmeier combined for the shutout.

The Lobos came out in the first half controlling much of the action. UNM had four shots-on-goal, including two by senior captain Javier Carrasco, in the first half. The Lobos defense worked to only give up one shot-on-goal with Weber tending the net for the first frame.

In the second half, the Lobos made mass substitutions that paid off on the scoreboard. In the 67th minute of play, Yavapai goalie Stephen OFarrell deflected a shot by Lobo sophomore Itzik Rapaport, giving UNM a corner kick. Sophomore Stacy Lofton, a transfer from the University of Incarnate Word and former New Mexico High School Player-of-the-Year, placed a perfect cross to another former New Mexico Player-of-the-Year, freshman Ricky Francis. Francis, who transferred back to UNM after redshirting at South Carolina in 2001, headed the pass in for the game-winning goal.

That was a perfect cross Stacy (Lofton) gave me, stated Francis. I looked up and all I had to do was just head it in.

Redshirt freshman Erik Bagwell added an insurance goal in the 76th minute. His chip-shot from 20 yards out caught OFarrell off-guard and floated in for the Lobos second score of the game.

Someone cleared it out so I just chested it and chipped it in, stated Bagwell. I was a little surprised it went.

First-year head coach Jeremy Fishbein was pleased with his teams effort following the game. I think our young guys came in and showed they can play, stated Fishbein. With this being our first scrimmage I think we played well against a tough Yavapai team. We have still got a lot of things to work on before the season starts, but overall I am happy with our performance.

The Lobos travel to Durango, Colo. to play another exhibition against Division II Fort Lewis on August 25th. UNM opens the season on August 30th in Las Vegas against Northern Illinois and has their first home contest on September 13th at 7:30 PM against Cal Poly.