Lobo soccer men lose finale

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – No. 2 seed Old Dominion broke a scoreless halftime tie with two goals in the span of a minute and went on to bury No. 7 seed New Mexico 4-0 Wednesday in the Conference USA men’s soccer tournament quarterfinal match.

The loss ended the Lobos’ season at 4-12-1, and it’s the last game in program history unless saved by means that are unforeseen as of now.

Coach Jeremy Fishbein and supporters hope the UNM Board of Regents’ decision in August to eliminate the sport as a cost-cutting measure will be reversed, perhaps with a windfall of state money following the next legislative session.

Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham stated during campaigning that she would work to save the sport if elected. But in the meantime, the program will not be allowed to have a full spring season that includes practices and games.

Goalkeeper Ford Parker had 10 saves for the Lobos, who were outshot 28-6. Max Wilschrey and Niko Klosterhalfen led Old Dominion with three points apiece.