The UCLA men’s soccer team will play two ranked teams this
weekend.
Again.
The Bruins have played four top-20 teams in their last six
games, and play No. 1 Stanford and No. 13 California at home this
weekend.
“We try and give ourselves a tough schedule every
year,” UCLA head coach Tom Fitzgerald said. “To have a
good power rating, you need a schedule like that.”
The Stanford game, at 7 p.m. on Friday, will the be first ever
night game for the men’s soccer team at Drake Stadium.
“I like playing soccer at night,” midfielder Mike
Enfield said. “It’s a better atmosphere and more fans
will show up. It will be great.”
“Playing a night game will be strange,” defender
Scot Thompson said. “The lights give you energy, and
hopefully there will be more people in the stands.”
On Friday night, the No. 6 Bruins will play their second
top-ranked team of the season. Earlier this month, UCLA (6-1-2, 1-0
Pac-10) played then-No. 1 St. John’s to a scoreless tie.
“Sure, tying St. John’s may have boosted our
confidence,” Fitzgerald said. “But we still have to
play our best game against Stanford, or they’ll beat
us.”
Stanford (11-1, 2-0) comes into Drake Stadium having only
allowed eight goals all season, and just one in their last four
games. Stanford has also won its last six road games, and in their
last 20, have a 15-2-1 record on the road.
The Cardinal has also been an offensive juggernaut, leading the
nation in goals, assists and points.
“Stanford’s a veteran squad,” Thompson, the
team captain said. “They’re really good.”
On Sunday, the Bruins host Cal at 1 p.m. The Bears (9-2-1, 2-0)
have won their last eight games, outscoring their opponents
20-3.
To beat this weekend’s opponents, the Bruins may again
need late-game heroics from Jimmy Frazelle. Last week, his goal in
the 82nd minute gave UCLA a victory and put Frazelle on the College
Soccer News team of the week.
“Jimmy scored a really nice goal,” Fitzgerald said.
“He deserves the honor.”