Sunday, August 25, 1996
M. soccer to employ more team-oriented offenseTalented newcomers
Victorine and Travis head recruiting classBy Mark Shapiro
Summer Bruin Staff
After having graduated seven seniors from last year’s squad, who
took 68 percent of the team’s scoring and 70 percent of its assists
with them to greener pastures, the UCLA men’s soccer team looked to
be in for a large-scale rebuilding process this season.
By holding true to the form that brought in recruiting classes
with the likes of U.S. National Team standout Cobi Jones, Major
League Soccer star Joe-Max Moore, and later, last year’s offensive
foundation of Ante Razov and Eddie Lewis, the UCLA brain trust has
again brought in one of the finest recruiting classes in the nation
to fill the void.
With so many holes to fill, the class of 2000 is expected to
make an immediate impact.
"This team definitely has changes going for it," UCLA head coach
Sigi Schmid said. "We lost a lot of talent but we’re very
encouraged by who we have coming back and by the players we have
added."
Topping the list of phenoms is mid-fielder and National Under-20
Team member Sasha Victorine, who already secured a starting job in
the midfield and established himself as the leader of the incoming
class.
"Victorine is a confident player and has shown a tremendous
amount of leadership," Schmid said.
The possibility of starting jobs and the expectations of making
an immediate impact have also been laid upon forwards Martin Bruno
and Shea Travis, perhaps the team’s best one-on-one attacker. In
addition, the club will feature National Soccer Coaches Association
of America (NSCAA) All-Americans Nick Paneno and Pete Vanegas.
Not only will the team have to adjust to a revamped lineup, they
will also have to settle into a style of play that is quite
different from last year’s. 1995’s squad was built around the
one-on-one attacking ability of Razov and Lewis. This season, a
five-mid-fielder line-up will be implemented with only two
attackers to put to best use the fresh talent.
"Our style is going to be a little bit different this year,"
Schmid said. "The last few years we were a little more direct than
I would have liked. Technically we are a much better team and as a
result of that we’ll possess the ball more and use more team-type
buildup play."
With the open of spring practice two weeks ago, the watchword at
North Field has been "integration." With a glut of openings in the
starting lineup and only a few weeks in which to craft a workable
side, the newcomers have been denied the luxury of transition
time.
In the early-season exhibitions, the opening match Sunday at
Loyola Marymounta, and at the Indiana Tournament Sept. 7-8, where
the Bruins will face powerhouses Indiana and Southern Methodist,
substantial playing time will be there for the taking.
On Sept. 15, the Bruins will travel north to face perennial
rival Fresno State, and will open the home schedule with games
against California and San Francisco on Sept. 19 and 22,
respectively.
UCLA Sports Info
Sasha VictorineUCLA Sports Info
Shea Travis