Miners Show Heart in Las Cruces

(Photo: Freshman midfielder Jacob Rothlisberger takes to the air in the Miners' win over the "International Superstars" in Las Cruces)

SOCORRO, Feb. 17, 2004 -- On Valentines' Day, the NMT Soccer Miners traveled to Las Cruces for a mini tournament sponsored by the New Mexico State Soccer Association and hosted by the Mesilla Valley Soccer Club. This was the first event for the NMT futballers, since completion of the regular fall season schedule in the NIRSA intercollegiate soccer league. The team was looking forward to incorporating a few new players into the lineup, including freshman Mathew Reichbach, sidelined during the fall from a shoulder injury incurred during the first game of the season.

In their first match-up, the Miners met the “Chivas”. In about the 10th minute, Reichbach proved his worth by scoring the first goal of the game. The Miners displayed dominance in the possession game over the remainder of the first half, with several scoring chances just missing the mark. Coach Fuierer took the opportunity to experiment with the line-up during the second half. But it seemed the Chivas were ready to capitalize on the overconfidence of the Miners, and found renewed energy and (sometimes illegal) spirit. The underhanded tactics by the Chivas took the Miners out of their game, culminating in the ejection of Tyson Gobble for foul-language in response to a punch thrown by a Chiva (unseen by referee). Statistically, the second half turned out to be the inverse of the first, with the Chivas amassing 5 shots on goal with one finishing into the net. Time ran-out for the Miners as they tried to get the goal back, and the game ended in a 1-1 tie.

Later that afternoon, the Miners faced the “International Superstars”, who were poised to claim superiority at the Mayfield High Noon Soccer Complex after their decisive 6-2 win over the “Tigres” earlier that day. But the Miners were no easy foe, and like before, dominated possession and scored first. It was a crushing, left-footed volley from freshman transfer Pat Dailey. The Superstars were frustrated going into the halftime rest, down 1-0.

A few minutes into the second half, however, the Superstars managed their first real organized attack of the game, with their forward beating two men at midfield, taking the ball to the corner and placing a beautiful crossing ball to the far post. Defender Josh Lynch lost his footing and his mark, and the ball was headed home to tie the game.

The score stood at 1-1 for 30 minutes, until freshman striker Galen Hartenberger took a through-pass from Dailey, and finished it cleanly. Minutes later, Hartenberger put another one in from a deflection off the keeper, but it was called back for off-sides. No matter, because the pigeons were loose upon the Superstars, and moments later, Dailey struck for the third Miner goal. The whistle blew, and the Miners were happy with the 3-1 victory.

On the day, Pat Dailey led with two goals and two assists. Goal-keeping was shared by Senior Don Bleeker and Junior Tyson Gobble. Strong defensive effort was given by freshman (midfielder) Jacob Rothlisberger, Stewart Robinson, and newcomer David Cordova.

The Miners are looking for every opportunity to stay sharp in the “off-season”. Look for a few exhibition games at home, to be announced in coming weeks.

-NMT-