HOBBS, NM---The USW Men's soccer programs kicks off their 2021 Spring schedule this Sunday, February 28th, against Jarvis Christian College. The matchup will be a conference match for the Mustangs, as they will be playing an 8-game schedule with 6 Red River Athletic Conference games. 

Many fall sports are in an unusual situation this spring, as they are playing their regular season contests during the normal "offseason months" for their programs. Head Coach Edgar Negrete and company took this unique opportunity and decided to embrace it and get the most out of it. "This fall was definitely one to remember. A positive thing about this fall season for us, was that we began to appreciate the little things more moving forward. COVID affected a lot of players on the team and I think being able to train together all fall, was a different experience. There was a greater sense of unity within the program and I am happy with how our guys were able to lean on each other in tough times" said Negrete. 

Last season, the Mustangs finished 3-12 overall in Negrete's first season at the helm. All three victories came in RRAC play and 7 of the 12 losses were 1-score games. Heading into his 2nd season as the Head Coach of his alma mater, Negrete is hopeful that this bunch can make a leap forward and start building the program he wants. "We want to make to the conference tournament. That would be a huge step in the right direction for us. But this team has to stay motivated and focused along the way. With all games being played on the road, we have to remain disciplined and be able to adapt to whatever is thrown at us. We have implemented a new system which will put a huge emphasis on our fitness as a team, so that will be a huge key in our success this season" said Coach Negrete. 

As Negrete enters year 2 at USW his main point of emphasis this year was creating and then building his culture within the program. "It sets the standard for how to behave and treat each other. A strong culture is the glue that holds your team together. It's going to take time but we have to be able to see the bigger picture and understand that we do the things we do to become a better team on and off the field."

New Faces

The Mustangs are excited to welcome a few new faces to the lineup to mix in with a great stable of veterans. "Johan Rodriguez is a strike that can put the ball away. He's very smart on the bal and he's just a terrific all-around player on the attacking end. That is something that we didn't have last year, so we are excited to have Johan in the program. Matthew Alvarado is another offensive weapon that we have added this year. I am confident that "Tutu", as he is called, will find the back of the net this year and score some game-winning goals for us. Another newcomer this year is Angel Marban. Angel is a great technical player that will help us control the game and help move the ball forward. Angel is hardworking and knows how to read the game very well" said Coach Negrete on his newcomers.