PORTALES, N.M. – "Knock knock." "Who's there?" "We're Back" "We're Back, Who?" "We're Back for ENMU men's soccer."
You read it right. Eastern New Mexico will be on the pitch this week beginning conference play with a road trip to San Antonio for a contest against St. Mary's.
Before the Hounds head east to the Lone Star State, take a look at the Pitch Preview:
Last Time Out: The Greyhounds are on a four-game unbeaten streak after pulling off two wins against South Dakota Mines (3-1) and Adams State (2-1). The program is looking to keep with that momentum against the #18 team in the country. In ENMU's trip up north,
Jonathan De Motta had a brace to clinch the victory over the Hardrockers and
Paul Waschkau made an incredible stop in the final seconds against the Grizzlies to keep ENMU's success going.
¡Arriba Alex!: Alexandre Meres has only played four matches for the Green & Silver, but his presence on the pitch is definitely known. The freshman from France has attempted at least two shots on frame in each game and has connected on two goals and added an assist.
Mathieu Madness: It doesn't show up on the score sheet, but a player who has excelled over the first six matches of the season is
Mathieu Beuvain. His play on the backline has limited chances for opponents to score specifically during the program's unbeaten streak. In the last match for the Hounds, Beuvain crossed a beautiful pass, which resulted in a goal. The sophomore from Cannes, France is fourth on the team in minutes played with 501.
Houndssssssssss Rattle: St. Mary's will be the first ranked opponent the team will face. The Rattlers have only allowed two goals all season. ENMU has scored in every game and has registered multiple games in every match except one. StMU has three scoreless draws and makes it difficult for opponents to find opportunities to shoot. The good thing, Eastern likes to shoot the ball and leads the conference with 8.7 shots on goal per game.
On The Road Again: Oklahoma, Missouri, South Dakota, Colorado, and Texas. The Hounds have spent a lot of time on the road and will be playing their final match of a seven-game period away from Greyhound Stadium. Despite the unusual start to the season, the lads have proved to compete against top foes and will face another high-quality opponent as they begin league play on Saturday.
