ALAMOSA, Colo. – The 2023-24 Adams State University athletic year will begin at noon on Thursday when the Grizzlies play host to the Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds.
Following a 1-15-2 season last year, the Grizzles hope to kick off the season on the right foot against the Greyhounds. The team posted 13 goals in 18 matches while giving up 74 goals over the season. The two programs met in 2022, with the Greyhounds ending with a 2-1 victory.
The current Adams State team retained two of their top three goal scorers from a season prior. Ranulfo Lopez led the group with three assists and contributed three goals, leading the team with nine points over the season. Avery Richards poached two goals and two assists in their first year with the program and will look to provide for ADSU, starting every match last season.
Zach Carr is the top returner who looks to stand in between the posts for Adams State as a primary starter, as he led the team in goalie minutes (795:07), games played (10), and saves (55) last season. His goals-against average of 3.74 was the lowest among the Grizzles, while his 0.625 save percentage led the program.
Coach Justin Gilfert, entering his second season at the helm, is smiling with his newcomers. He bolstered his squad with 16 freshmen and a handful of transfers as the Grizzly squad has gone international, representing eight countries.
For the Greyhounds, Head Men's Soccer Coach Brandon Misuraca returns for his second season, following the team's first season after reinstatement with a 5-8-2 record.
Leading scorer Alexandre Meres, returns for his second season with ENMU, along with 18 other returners from the 2022 squad.
