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