New Mexico favored to win fourth straight MPSF title
- by Soccer America , Aug 8, 2007
The Lobos are looking for their fourth straight MPSF crown, and sixth in the last seven years. UNM boasts nine returning starters, led by senior keeper Mike Graczyk, a 2006 first-team All-MPSF selection. UNM also returns senior David Gualdarama and sophomore Simon Ejdemyr, both first-team all-conference picks and junior forward Chris Wright, a second-team All-MPSF honoree.
UNM has added transfer Danny Barrera from Loyola Marymount. Its big losses were New Zealander Andrew Boyens, who is playing for MLS's Toronto FC, and Brandon Barklage, who transferred to Saint Louis.
Elsewhere in the MPSF, head coach Bobby Muuss begins his first season at the reins at Denver, taking over the Pioneers after two-time MPSF Coach of the Year Chad Ashton resigned to join the staff of D.C. United. Doug Hill, a 13-year assistant with Air Force, takes over for the '07 campaign, replacing long-time coach Luis Sagastume.
UNLV snatched perhaps the top recruit in the MPSF, signing forward Daniel Cruz, who was recently named to the U.S. U-17 World Cup team.
MPSF POLL:
1. New Mexico 25 points (14-4-3)
2. Denver 21 points (11-5-2)
3. San Jose State 15 points (7-10-1)
4. Sacramento State 12 points (7-10-2)
5. UNLV 10 points (1-15-2)
6. Air Force 7 points (5-12-1)
