After a tough nonconference schedule, Karley Nelson and the Lobos are looking to use what they’ve learned as Mountain West play begins in Albuquerque.
By Roger A. Holien | Mountain West Connection
The New Mexico women’s soccer team didn’t get all the results it hoped for in nonconference play, but the Lobos gained valuable experience.
New Mexico heads into Mountain West play with a 3–2–2 record, following back-to-back 1–1 draws against New Mexico State and Idaho State. In both games, the Lobos were
ahead late but gave up a penalty kick near the end.
Those finishes were tough, but head coach Karley Nelson thinks the team can use what they learned to get stronger as the conference games become more important.
“We learn from every game that we’ve played,” Nelson said. “There’s a lesson to be learned from each of them.”
The Lobos can put those lessons to use right away as they start Mountain West play with two home games at the UNM Soccer Complex. New Mexico faces San José State on Thursday at 7 p.m. and Nevada on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Both matches are free to attend and will be streamed on the Mountain West Network.
Learning How to Finish
The biggest thing New Mexico needs to work on is holding onto a lead late in games.
Against Idaho State, the Lobos controlled most of the match and created good scoring chances. But a penalty in the last two minutes let the Bengals leave Albuquerque with a draw.s against New Mexico State and Idaho State came from situations that can be corrected through better discipline, communication, and defensive organization.
The Lobos need to avoid unnecessary fouls, stop quick restarts, and keep the whole defense organized behind the ball. They also have to stay calm when defending in the penalty area.
“To blame a referee does no good,” Nelson said. “We have to control the things that we can control.”
That acThat sense of responsibility could be important in Mountain West play, where games are often close and one late decision can mean the difference between a win and a draw.sity Can Prepare the Lobos
Even though the last two results were frustrating, Nelson doesn’t think the nonconference schedule was a failure. Instead, it showed what the team needed to work on before conference play.
“Had we gone through our nonconference schedule and not been faced with any adversity, we wouldn’t be prepared to go into conference play,” Nelson said.
New Mexico is also heading into conference play in good health. Nelson praised the players for staying disciplined with recovery, nutrition, and sleep, and thanked the athletic training and strength staff for their support.
Staying healthy will matter as the Lobos get ready for a Mountain West schedule with lots of different playing styles and little room for mistakes. As Nelson pointed out, any team in the conference can win on any given day, no matter the standings.
Nicole Anderson’s Work Is Paying Off
One of the best surprises this season has been fourth-year forward Nicole Anderson, who leads the Lobos with four goals.
NelsoNelson said Anderson’s progress didn’t happen by chance. After talking with the coaches about her goals, Anderson worked hard in the offseason and came back with a more aggressive mindset. has become more willing to run at defenders, challenge the back line and create opportunities from wide areas. Her ability to reach the end line and serve the ball into the box has also helped New Mexico generate more corner kicks.
“It has been fun to see her rewarded for her hard work,” Nelson said.
Anderson gives the Lobos a reliable scoring option, but the team’s success will depend on everyone playing well on both offense and defense.
A Chance to Build Momentum at Home
Starting conference play in Albuquerque is a big chance for the Lobos. They get to train at their own facility, stick to their routines, and play in front of their home fans.
Thursday’s game will put New Mexico back under the lights against a tough and physical San José State team. Nelson expects the Spartans to push players forward, play aggressively, and make the Lobos work for every chance.
The nonconference games challenged the Lobos, but now the Mountain West season gives them a fresh start.
New Mexico has shown it can create chances and compete with strong teams. If the Lobos use what they’ve learned in late-game situations to play with more discipline and focus, those tough draws could help set them up for a successful conference season.
With free admission, two home games, and the start of Mountain West play, this is a great week for Lobo fans to come out and support a team that’s ready for the next step.
