Tech Miners on Track

by coach Paul Fuierer

SOCORRO, N.M., April 16, 2002 -- The New Mexico Tech men's soccer team took on their rival "Boca Juniors" Sunday. This was their third meeting in two years, each team having previously beaten the other by a score of 1-0. The Miners put any doubt to rest as to which was the better team, burnishing the BJs 4-1.

The Miners got off to an early start, with a goal on their 2nd possession. Big Don Bleeker received the ball off the end line from Mike Okoro, and slammed the ball to the back of the net. From that point on, the BJs resorted to their familiar style of play…looking more like a rugby team than a soccer team. While the Miners exhibited control and finesse with their feet, the BJs attempted to use their upper extremities in every way possible… grabbing, pushing, and even punching when the referee wasn't looking. The Miners kept their cool, and bludgeoned the BJ goalkeeper with 19 shots on goal. The goalie appeared to be their most talented player, with quick footwork and several magnificent horizontal saves. The other three Miner goals came from Mike Okoro, Nate Vanderlinder and Maurizeo Leo. Bleeker assisted two of these.

The Miners' record now stands at 12 wins and 3 losses, putting them in second place in Division 2 of the Albuquerque Soccer League. With two games remaining, the Miners are well positioned to move to Division 1 next year, as the top four teams will be promoted. This Sunday, April 21, they meet the 1st place team "Dep Quetzal". The game will be a kind of championship match, as the Miners are just one game behind DQ. The Socorro/Tech community is invited to attend. Game time is 1pm, at Milne field located at Avenida Cezar Chavez and University Blvd. For more information, check out http://infohost.nmt.edu/~soccer/.