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Mike Graczyk doesn't want to be remembered as one of the University of New Mexico's best goalkeepers.

But you can't deny the numbers. Lots of zeroes.

Graczyk, a senior on the Lobos men's soccer team, holds the school record for shutouts and his work in the net has helped lead the Lobos to their fourth straight trip to the NCAA Tournament.

UNM (12-4-2) plays at UCLA (8-8-3), last year's national runners-up, at 8 tonight in the first round of the NCAAs.

Graczyk, the former La Cueva High star, will try to extend his school-record of 30 career shutouts when the Lobos face the Bruins.

Earlier this week, Gracyzk was named the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation player of the week after posting a pair of shutouts as UNM clinched its sixth league title in the past seven years.

But Graczyk says the success of the team takes priority over any attention he might receive.

"I want my legacy to be that I played with such a great soccer team," he said. "Not that I was a great goalie."

He deflects praise as if it was a shot on goal.

Still, he said: "I couldn't be happier with my career. To come from La Cueva to play for the Lobos --------------- to play with these guys --------------- I'm truly blessed."

Blessed and gifted.

Graczyk led the MPSF with a 0.73 goals-against-average this season. He also ranks second all-time at UNM with 45 wins, five behind Andrew Webber.

Gracyzk gives credit to the defense in front of him.

Of course, it also helps to have one of the premier scorers in the country on your side. UNM junior Chris Wright led the league in points with 28 and ranks 13th nationally with 12 goals.

"I couldn't be prouder of a player," Graczyk said. "Chris deserves it. He set the standard in the classroom, on the practice field and in the games.

"Hopefully, he can continue his success in the playoffs."

After a sluggish start this season, UNM enters the NCAA Tournament on a roll.

The Lobos opened the season by losing three of their first five games. UNM regrouped and went 10-1-2 over its final 13 games. During that span, the Lobos outscored their foes 33-7.

"We're playing really well at the right time," Graczyk said. "Soccer's a funny game. You need a lot of luck on your side in a tournament where it's single-elimination."

UNM coach Jeremy Fishbein said the Lobos were disappointed they didn't get to host a first-round game, but quickly focused their attention to reversing a losing trend to the Bruins.

UNM is 1-8 all-time against UCLA, including a 2-0 loss to the Bruins last year in Albuquerque.

"This is a different team and a different season," Fishbein said. "We feel like this is a good matchup for us. We feel like we can set the tempo. We're a good team and we play well on the road."

UNM has 7-4-2 record in NCAA play and is 3-0 in first-round games. The Lobos received first-round byes in 2004 and 2005.

"The game is about denying the other team scoring opportunities and putting the ball in the net yourself," Fishbein said. "We've got guys capable of doing both of those things.

"Mike has had a great season for us in the net and Chris is playing with a lot of confidence right now. He's going to be a handful to stop."

Graczyk said the Lobos aren't intimidated by UCLA's reputation. The strength of the UNM program, Graczyk said, has put the Lobos on the same level as the Bruins.

"We feel like anytime we step on the field, we're the better team," Graczyk said. "There's no limits for us. The caliber of players on this team is equal to anyone in the country."