Colleges throughout the country will converge on Bakersfield, Calif., this weekend with one goal on their minds: the national club soccer championship.

The Arizona club team is among the 16 schools vying for this weekend's National Intramural Recreational Sports Association's (NIRSA) ultimate soccer prize.

UA is ranked No.1 in NIRSA's region six, and the players say they are confident.

"We believe we can win," senior keeper Paul Anderson said. "Our talent is in place, we're going out to win. The taste of losing is unsettling."

UA will open up against Texas and, after a brief rest, will take on Colorado State.

Arizona failed to reach the national tournament last year, and fell short in the open division tournament with a loss to Ohio State in the third round. This year's squad is looking to avenge last year's shortcoming.

Team captain Will Yokubaitus said this year's team is the best the senior has played for in his four years at Arizona. With a 12-0 regular-season record, the Wildcats are ranked ahead of defending NIRSA champion Brigham Young University in region six.

For Arizona, defense is the name of the game.

"Our defense is phenomenal," said Yokubaitus. "We shut down our opponents."

Heading that defense is Anderson, who said he feels very fortunate for the opportunity to play in the national tournament.

"I'm just happy to be playing at this level," Anderson said.

Several years ago Anderson, a former forward, was out of soccer with a broken ankle. He returned to play the past two seasons and emerged as the team's top keeper. In 12 games this season, Anderson has allowed a miniscule total of five goals.

"We pride ourselves on our defense," Anderson said.

That strong defense has become the catalyst for the offense. Arizona relies on quick regains off its high-pressure defense to create a fast counter-attack. The midfielders move the ball quickly up the side lanes, finishing off with low-driven crosses to strikers for scoring opportunities.

Midfielder Ivan Lerme leads the offense. Lerme is responsible for the bulk of the scoring this season, followed by Yokubaitus.

"Lerme is our key player and our team favorite for MVP," Yokubaitus said.

A two-week hiatus has given the Wildcats an opportunity to rest their injuries. Starting midfielder Afam Nwambuonwo is expected to play despite a nagging leg injury. The break in between regional and nationals has allotted head coach David Hunter an opportunity to utilize a mixture of intense practices with periods of relaxation, enabling his Wildcats to keep their legs in game shape for the upcoming tourney.

The national tournament will likely mark the end of coach Hunter's stint with the UA soccer program. Hunter will be ending a 14-year stretch that carried him from player to coach of both the men's and women's club teams.

"He's not only a great coach, he is an excellent role model for all of us," junior midfielder Mychal Sierra said.

Despite his player's emotion, the coach is refusing to use his departure, as he moves on to other opportunities, as motivation for the Wildcats.

"We are trying to avoid sentiment. The UA will still be strong after I am gone," said Hunter. "We've been here before, we just have to concentrate on the minute in front of us and take it half-by-half."

Hunter remains enthusiastic about the team's chances.

"Our defense is stiff and our offensive is dynamic, we going to play a bunch of tough teams." Hunter feels tough defense and quick transition will be the key to Arizona's success. "Keep your eyes open for Arizona."