Men's Soccer Home Opener 

GRAND JUNCTION, COLO- Walker Field is hosting three different teams this weekend, including Fort Lewis, Eastern New Mexico, and Northwest Nazarene. Colorado Mesa University men's soccer will be faced with the challenge of two of these teams. The games are set to begin at 5:30 p.m. on Sept 6 against Eastern New Mexico and noon on Sept 8 against Northwest Nazarene.
 
The Mavericks are returning home after traveling last weekend to Taos, N.M. where they tied with West Texas A&M 1-1. Returning to Walker Field is as exciting as it get for the Mavericks since they have proven they succeed at home. Last year the Mavericks were 10-1-0 when suited up at Walker Field.
 
Head coach Todd Padgett believes, "Walker Field has been very good to us the last several years. The home opener is always exciting. It is imperative our guys understand, success in the past has nothing to do with the results in the present."
 
The Mavericks will have to prove history again starting this weekend when they are faced with the challenge of two tough teams. "Both teams are coming to Grand Junction to win the game and put themselves in early contention within their respective regions. Both teams are regional opponents so each game is very important." Padgett mentioned early Wednesday morning.
 
Defending Walker Field this weekend will be a great test this season for the Mavericks.
 
About Eastern New Mexico
 
The Greyhounds of Eastern New Mexico are traveling to Grand Junction, Colo from Portales, N.M.  Previous to this meeting the Greyhounds have remained undefeated. They've played in two games where they outscored their opponents 6-2. They beat Southern Nazarene 3-1 and Oklahoma Baptist 2-1. This upcoming game against the Mavericks will be their first road test. Last year they were 2-7-1 on the road.
 
Two of Eastern New Mexico's players have recorded a goal in each of their two games so far this season. Lucas Vas and Gabriel Peres each have two goals and one assist. This offensive duo will be a test for CMU's defense; however, the Maverick's defense currently sits in a good position. Padgett mentioned, "We were fantastic defensively last weekend but we lost our discipline and structure a bit in the second half. This week we will certainly be looking to put together a more consistent defensive performance."  As of now the Maverick's roster list nine student-athletes playing as defenders. Four of those defenders include upperclassmen. This week the Mavericks will look to put together a whole game of consistent defense.
 
Although this is only the two team's third meeting, the Mavericks have yet to find a win against the Greyhounds. The last time the two teams met was almost exactly 2 years ago on Sept 1 2016. The game resulted in a tie and a score of 0-0.
 
The Greyhounds are coached by head coach Jon Fridal. This is Fridal's first year as a head coach for Eastern New Mexico. Prior to this season he had a successful career as head coach of Indian Hills Community College being named the 2017 NJCAA Region XI Coach of the Year and the NJCAA Great Lakes District Coach of the Year.
 
About Northwest Nazarene University
 
The Nighthawks of Northwest Nazarene have started the season 0-2 having lost games to Cal State Los Angeles and Westminster College. They've been out scored 1-5 between those two games. There only goal this season has been recorded by Jose Labanino-Ramos. The redshirt senior is currently leading the Nighthawks in minutes played.
 
Although NNU travels to Grand Junction with a 0-2 record coach Padgett and the Mavericks will not let up for anyone. This is the last game of the weekend for the Mavericks and Padgett knows, "We have been the most successful when everyone accepts their responsibilities individually and collectively. We will look to have consistency throughout the entire match both offensively and defensively."
 
NNU is coached by Joel Delass who is currently in his third season with the Nighthawks. Last season he led NNU to a third place finish and an 8-6-3 record.
 
About Fort Lewis College
 
Walker field is a neutral site this weekend for a matchup between Fort Lewis College and Northwest Nazarene. This game is set to take place Sept 6 at 2:30 p.m. Currently Fort Lewis College is 1-0. Ryan Lee for Fort Lewis is coming off an impressive game where he found the net twice in a 2-1 win in OT against Texas-Permian Basin.
 
Weekend Schedule (Women/Men)
 
There will be numerous soccer matches this weekend at Walker field between men and women. For a look at the entire weekend, check out the schedule below. Men will playing on Thursday and Saturday and the women will play on Friday and Saturday.
 
Men's games are listed in bold.