Soccer Team Moves Up a Division

by coach Paul Fuierer

[Photo caption: Front row (left to right): Maurizio Leo, Tim Kinsworthy, Dan Young, Tony Zimmerly, Hanh Nguyen, Mike Okoro, Josh Lynch

Back row (left to right): Chad Watson, Brian Petracca, Charlie Snider, Nate Vanderlinder, Don Bleeker, Gordon Rueff, Bram Vandergeest, and Paul Fuierer (coach)]

The New Mexico Tech men's soccer team won again Sunday, blowing out the Boring team from Albuquerque, with a score of 5-0. The previous week, they depressed "Deep Purple" with a score of 7-0. The wins put the Miners' final record at 14 wins, 2 losses, and one tie, giving the team the first place trophy out of 22 teams in the 3rd division of the Albuquerque Soccer League. Tech was clearly the dominant team throughout the spring season, winning all 9 games, all but one a shut out. A total of one goal was scored against the Miners in 9 games. The Miners apparently outgrew their Fall season shyness for the net, and managed to score 42. For the Fall and Spring 17-game total, the goals for - goals against ratio was an impressive 71-16.

The team attained the goal set by coach Paul Fuierer: finish within the top two spots in order to relegate up to the next division. The Miners will be in 2nd division for the 2001-2002 season. There they will face stiffer competition, but Fuierer has high expectations for the team to do just as well, since nearly all the players are returning.

"The team has really come along over the course of this year. We started with a few talented players at the beginning. We finished with a bunch of guys who worked really hard, improved their skills, improved their game sense, and really learned how to play together to get the job done." The Miners managed a great game Sunday against Boring, despite several injuries, no subs, and borrowed uniforms.

Both teams sported white jerseys so Tech, being the home team, was responsible for alternates. With two minutes to game time, and no other option, the guys borrowed the jerseys from the women's team that played immediately before. The mint green color was striking, plus according to Tim "Tex" Kinsworthy, "they smelled nice". The jerseys worked, particularly for Mike Okoro. He was the clear MVP of the game, scoring all five goals from his striker position. His first goal was a World Cup-worthy left-footed volley off of a corner kick from Nate Vanderlinder. As usual, veteran Tony Zimmerly and sophomore Dan Young gave strong performances. Both worked very hard to deny any attack from opponents and to create opportunities for the offense. Hanh Nguyen managed a few saves in the goal to ensure the shut-out.