Eight Days in August Bring USC, UNM and Oregon to Our Broader Community

In a cruel twist of fate, Aggies Soccer will play host to two Big 10 schools and the Lobos just as the students are returning to campus. One of the visiting teams, the USC Trojans, ended last season ranked 25th in the United Soccer Coaches Poll. (Photo: Courtesy NMSU Athletics)

A Las Cruces Digest Report

It is a big deal when any school from a Power Five conference visits Las Cruces–much less two. To have the Lobos sandwiched between two Big 10 opponents is a good sign that local sports is lifting off like a rocket.

NMSU Soccer: First Four Games

One of the least talked about aspects of our broader community is how much we love soccer. Local youth want to join leagues so much that they run short of coaches before they run out of enthusiasm to play. On the heels of the Olympics, and shortly after a league-up run at Los Angeles FC by New Mexico United, soccer is fresh on our minds.

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Now, we have a chance to watch top collegiate action right here, and if there is anything we have learned in recent years, we know there is no golliath too big to be felled by the Aggies.

Cochise College (Exhibition match)
Friday, August 9 @ 7:00PM

This article breaks the rules a bit. We are overlooking the opening match against Cochise College because it is an exhibition match. The Apaches hail from Sierra Vista, Arizona, and are a NJCAA team (junior college). This game will be a primer for the Aggies, to help them find their bearings against a team that has something to prove.

University of Southern California (USC)
Thursday, August 16 @ 7:00PM

The USC Trojans will be fresh of their home season opener against in-state competitor, Long Beach State. Having ended last year ranked 25th in the nation, there should be no doubt about the level of play coming into our broader community. The Aggies traveled to Los Angeles, last year, where the Trojans handed them a 0-3 loss. This year, they are hoping to turn the tables in front of a home crowd.

University of New Mexico (UNM)
Sunday, August 18 @ 1:00PM

It’s the Lobos. Expect to see some of the best soccer of the season. The Aggies chalked a loss in Albuquerque last year, and are hoping for a little home field mojo to take down their in-state rival.

University of Oregon
Thursday, August 22 @ 7:00PM

The Ducks of Oregon are really proud of their new kits. They have a shield with an “O” inside, reminiscent of many professional soccer clubs. Power Five schools don’t brag about their uniforms unless they are prepared to represent. The fact that this Oregon Ducks team failed to win a single match last year should be taken with a grain of salt. They have something to prove.

How about the Aggies?

The Aggies are coming off a 10-win season, edged out of a conference championship by Liberty, 1-2. As is familiar with our local teams, the Aggies grew as a team the season progressed. They had a rocky start with a 3-4-1 record when they entered conference play. This Aggie team will not have the luxury of starting slow, facing what is likely to be the pinnacle of their competition this season over eight days in August.

A look at the roster shows the greenest position on the team is goalie, with a bevvy of freshman and sophomore options for the position. Every other position on the team is stacked with experience.

NM State Head Coach Rob Baarts is set to begin his seventh season with the Aggies following a historic 2023 campaign that saw the squad secure their first regular season conference title in the program’s first season as members of Conference USA. Baarts was named CUSA Coach of the Year, a first for the NM State program, while coaching Loma McNeese to the program’s first player of the year award, while also garnering CUSA Offensive Player of the Year. Xitlaly Hernandez was named CUSA Defensive Player of the Year, while a total of seven Aggies garnered All-Conference selections. Both Loma and Xitlaly are returning this year.

What is the Aggie Country Pass?

By purchasing a 2024-25 Aggie Country Pass, one will be allowed to attend all NM State home soccer, volleyball, women’s basketball, baseball and softball games throughout the 2024-25 academic year.

The cost of the 2024-25 Aggie Country Pass has been set at $150 for the general public. Discounts may be available for senior citizens as well NM State faculty, staff and other employees. IF YOU QUALIFY FOR A DISCOUNT, DO NOT PURCHASE YOUR TICKET ONLINE.

Fans can purchase their 2024-25 Aggie Country Pass by visiting the Pan American Center Ticket Office from 9:00-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Aggie Country Passes are also available for purchase over the phone by calling at the Pan American Center Ticket Office at 575-646-1420.

Article posted by:

Levi Gwaltney

Levi Gwaltney is the Editor In Chief of Las Cruces Digest. The Editor makes editorial and posting decisions regarding content published on this site. In most cases, the Editor makes little if any contribution to content published, and takes no credit for the content of republished posts. If available, the source or author of posts is provided at the top of the article.

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