Nov. 8, 2005
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Briefly
The Lions wrap up the regular season this week with a pair of crucial conference games. LMU sits in second place in the conference, and is still alive in the WCC title race. As important, the Lions are looking to improve their overall record to earn a possible at-large berth into the NCAA Tournament. LMU will travel to Saint Mary's on Thursday afternoon before concluding the season at home against San Diego on Saturday at 2pm. Please note- the 2:00pm start on Saturday is one hour later than the previously published 1:00pm start.
Looking Back
It's now officially a trend- lose on Friday, but come back to win on Sunday. For the third straight week and the fourth time this season, the Lions dropped their Friday game and rebound to pick up the victory on Sunday. For the second time this season, the Friday loss was to San Francisco and the Sunday victory was over #5 Santa Clara. In both games, LMU took an early lead with goals by Jimmy Burling (USF) and Tony Chinakwe (SCU). USF scored two goals in the second half for the win. Santa Clara tied the game just before halftime, but the Lions added a second goal by Michael Ogletree in the second half to pull out the victory. It is the first time in program history that LMU defeated Santa Clara at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, and the third win this season over a top-10 ranked team.
Senior Day
LMU will honor its senior class in a ceremony before the game on Saturday. The senior class of Jimmy Burling and Armando Melendez is small in members but both players have been an integral part of the team for the last four years. Melendez has served as team captain for the last two years, and was LMU's leading scorer a year ago. Burling has been a strong defensive presence in his first three years, and has been adding to LMU's offense this season. He has scored three goals in the last five games.
About Saint Mary's
The Gaels broke a four game losing streak with a 2-1 overtime win on Sunday over Portland. Michael Johnson scored his only two goals of the season to lead SMC to the win. SMC has a 8-9-1 overall record, and a 5-6-0 conference mark. They sit in a three way tie for third place with 15 points. Michael Clegg leads the team and the conference in scoring with 11 goals and one assist on the year. Carlos Diaz has two goals and a WCC-lead 11 assists. Brian Mason has played every minute of the season in goal and has a 1.40 GAA. He has saved 77% of shots faced, and recorded six shutouts. LMU recorded a 2-1 win over Saint Mary's in the first meeting of the year at Sullivan Field.
About San Diego
The Toreros recorded a pair of ties in Northern California last weekend, picking up a 1-1 tie at Santa Clara and a 0-0 tie at USF. USD has an 8-5-5 overall record, and is 4-4-3 in conference play. With 15 points, they are a part of the three way tie for third place. Michael Caso leads the team in scoring with three goals and five assists. Dustin Guerrero and Adam Mariani each have scored four goals this season. Lance Friesz has a 1.06 GAA with five shutouts. LMU and USD finished in a 1-1 tie in the first meeting in San Diego.
Smart Cookies
A pair of Lions were named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District 8 men's soccer team, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). David Niemeyer and Diego Souza were voted into the team for their accomplishments on the field and in the classroom. LMU is one of just two schools with two members on the District 8 team. In addition to their accomplishments on the field, both players were selected to the WCC All-Academic Team last year, and have been on the WCC Commissioner's Honor Roll for the last two years.
Watch Out For That "Tree"
After appearing in two games last season, Michael Ogletree ("Tree") has been a constant presence for the Lions this season. He has spent most of his time in the Lion defense this season, but also has appeared in the midfield. His first career goal may have been LMU's most important goal of the season- the game-winner over Santa Clara last weekend. Tree also assisted on a goal in LMU's earlier win over Santa Clara at Sullivan Field this season. His speed and athleticism have been vital to the Lions this season.
Flores Shines in Victory
Rob Flores had one of his best performances of the season to help secure a 1-0 shutout of Portland on Oct. 30. The junior made six saves in goal, including several point-blank stops in the final minutes of the second half to help the Lions to the victory. Flores has started all but two games in goal, and has seen his save percentage rise and his goals against average lower all season.
Burling Scores Monthly Honor
Bobby Burling was named the LMU Student-Athlete of the Month for his play in September. Bobby Burling was instrumental in helping the Lions open the season with a 3-2-2 record. He led the team with four goals and two assists in September, including two game-winning goals. Burling was directly responsible for both goals in LMU's 2-1 win over #10 UC Santa Barbara, assisting on the game-tying goal and scoring the game-winner. Burling had a phenomenal performance against North Florida, recording two goals and an assist. He also scored LMU's first goal in the 2-1 win over Gonzaga to open WCC action. The 6-5 junior from Monument, Colorado, leads the team in goals, points and shots, and has recorded a shot in every game. An incredible 73.9% of his shots have been on goal.
Looking Ahead
The NCAA will announce its 48-team field on Monday at 2pm PST. The first round games will be held on Friday, Nov. 18 or Saturday, Nov. 19th. Second round games are Tuesday, Nov. 22nd.
Sundays Are Special At Sullivan
The Lions have faced a top 10 team on a Sunday at Sullivan three times this season and pulled out victories in two of the games. After dropping their season opener to then-#7 UCLA, the Lions rebounded with a huge 2-1 win over then-#10 UC Santa Barbara. Two weeks later, LMU took a 3-1 victory over then-#5 Santa Clara. Last Sunday, the Lions recorded a 1-0 shutout of Portland to improve to 4-1 on Sundays at Sullivan. In the 2004 season, the Lions were a perfect 5-0 on Sundays at Sullivan.
Climbing the Charts
Several current players started the season in the top 10 of several LMU career statistical categories. Armando Melendez and Junior Ybarra both started the season on the top 10 for career assists, but have gone up the charts as the season has progressed. Ybarra charged ahead of Melendez and Bobby Burling and is now in 5th place by himself. Melendez is in 7th place and Burling is in 8th. Melendez also added to his career point total and his 36 career points puts him in 6th place all-time. Burling has rocketed up the charts with his play this season, and is now in at least 8th place in all three lists.
Barrera Earns Weekly Honors
Sophomore Diego Barrera was honored as the WCC Player of the Week for his efforts in LMU's 2-1 win over then-#10 UC Santa Barbara. The midfielder was also named to Soccer America's Team of the Week. It is the second year that Barrera earned each honor.
Record Setting Victory
The Lions shattered three school records en route to their 8-0 victory over North Florida on Sept. 5. With eight goals, the Lions broke the previous team record of six goals in a game. The record was set twice, both games against Occidental in 1990 and 1997. LMU's 11 assists also shatters the previous record of six assists (vs. Santa Clara, 10/17/04 and vs. San Diego State, 10/8/95). The Lions' 27 points on the day bested their previous record of 17 points set against Occidental in 1997 (6 goals, 5 assists).
All-Tournament Team
Bobby Burling and Diego Barrera were named to the UC Irvine College Classic All-Tournament team following the weekend. Burling scored two goals and added an assist, while Barrera set up two goals to record two assists. Rob Flores and Matthew Mejia were named to the All-Tournament team at SMU's Mi Cocina Classic. It is the first All-Tournament honor for either player.
Player Diary
Throughout the season, captains Armando Melendez and Rob Flores will be writing a diary on the LMU website. Their journal will give fans an inside peak into the LMU men's soccer team. Be sure to check the LMU website at www.LMULions.com for their latest entry.
Gametracker
Follow the Lions all season with GameTracker for Men's Soccer. During any LMU home game, you can get the up-to-the-minute score, as well as updated game stats and a play by play. For more information, go to www.LMULions.com.
Sullivan Field Upgrades
Fans to Sullivan Field will notice a few changes to the atmosphere this season. Brand new banners on the back on the bleachers welcome fans to the "Home of the Lions." In addition, a new scoreboard has been installed. This season, the Lions play nine of their 20 games at Sullivan Field.
