Tuesday, October 29, 1996
W. SOCCER:
Win needed against USF for at-large berth in postseasonBy Brad
Zucker
Daily Bruin Senior Staff
One week ago, the UCLA women’s soccer team was in the thick of
the NCAA playoff hunt. Now the Bruins are searching for
redemption.
"I think the players are realizing that our playoff chances
aren’t as good," assistant coach Paul Ratcliffe said, following
Sunday’s overtime loss at the hands of UC Berkeley. "Now we’re
playing for pride."
UCLA (9-6-1, 3-2 Pac-10) continue their Northern California road
trip today when they visit the USF Lady Dons (9-6-2) on the
opposite side of the Bay Bridge. Despite being a nonconference
match, the Bruins must win if there is to be any hope of an
at-large invitation to the tournament.
The game marks the sixth straight road game for UCLA, who began
their trip Oct. 16.
Up until last Wednesday’s game against USC, the Bruins’ tour had
been pleasant, as UCLA romped through the state of Washington,
sweeping both schools on their home fields.
Things turned sour, though, upon returning to Southern
California, as the Bruins suffered a 3-2 loss to the Trojans. Two
days later, the team got on a plane bound for the Bay Area.
"It’s tough being on the road," junior Traci Arkenberg said.
"But everybody has to do it at some point. Now it’s just our
turn."
For Arkenberg, however, the Bruins’ turn may be over. The
offensive superstar was injured at the end of Sunday’s game and is
likely to sit out against the Lady Dons.
"I don’t know if it’s a groin or a hip," Ratcliffe said. "But
she’s limping around here pretty badly."
Meanwhile, USF also faces a must-win situation. The Lady Dons
were beaten by California just two days prior to the Bruins’
defeat, making today’s contest against UCLA all the more
important.
The two teams have met only twice in the past, and the Bruins
have won both times by the score of 3-1. But with USC’s first
victory in history hanging over the Bruins’ heads, past match-ups
have little relevance.
In fact, Ratcliffe believes the only direction to look is
straight ahead.
"We need to stay motivated for the last three games, and leave
(UCLA’s chances for a tournament bid) up to fate."
In addition to today’s game, fate will come by way of two final
conference games at home against Oregon State and Stanford.
The Bruins still have an opportunity to grab a share of the
conference title if Stanford drops two of its final three matches.
On their own end, UCLA faces the challenge of trying to rebound
from two straight conference losses.
"We came up against two very talented teams," Ratcliffe said. "I
think we showed a lot of character to come back in those
games."
With Arkenberg’s status questionable, the Bruins will have to
show even more.
JON FERREY/Daily Bruin
Sherice Bartling will attempt to carry the Bruins offensively
against the USF Lady Dons today as they try to turn around a losing
streak.