ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - University of New Mexico men's soccer player Niko Hansen has been invited to training camp with the United States U23 Men’s National Team in advance of Olympic qualifying, which begins in October. Hansen, a rising junior, is one of just 28 players from the collegiate ranks invited to this camp, which will take place in Caron, Calif., Aug. 5-8.

The purpose of the camp is to evaluate collegiate players as the national team continues to prepare for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In the Olympics, men’s soccer is a U23 event so only players born on or after Jan. 1, 1993 are eligible.

Hansen should play a big role in the Lobos’ attack this year. Last season he was second on the squad in goals (five), assists (three) and points (13) while leading the team with 54 shots. His three game-winning goals also tied for the team lead.

UNM is just over two weeks away from its preseason opener on Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. against Air Force at the UNM Soccer Complex, and Lobo Pride Passes are on sale now. Available for just $50, the Pride Pass grants its owner access to all home Lobo Men’s Soccer games, as well as all women’s soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball and indoor track and field events.