Soccer takes 6-1 record to Utah for pair


By Brett Fera
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Thursday, September 23, 2004

Two more wins. That's first and foremost in the minds of the players of the surprising Arizona soccer team (6-1), as it heads to Utah today for a pair of games against Brigham Young and Weber State.

But as easy as the Wildcats' first six wins may have been, the UA players know that from here on out, teams are sure to bring their A-game when they face Arizona.

"I think it's going to be our first big test besides West Virginia," said UA junior Mallory Miller of today's matchup with BYU (3-4-1), scheduled for 7 p.m. "They've always been good in the past. We have to go in there and take care of business, and keep our winning streak going forward."

If the Wildcats hope to keep their impressive start going, chances are Miller will be expected to be the catalyst.

Miller's ability to bounce up to forward from her natural position of midfielder when needed has been crucial to Arizona's success. Miller's 13 points so far - she's scored three times and added seven assists - leads all Wildcat scorers.

With 14 games remaining, Arizona has already equaled last season's win total, when the Wildcats finished 6-11-2 in what was considered one of the program's most successful seasons.

BYU's three wins in its first eight games might not be up to par with the team's finish a year ago - the Cougars won 16 games en route to reaching the Elite Eight of the 2003 NCAA Women's College Cup, college soccer's national championship tournament - but UA junior midfielder Nikki David is still certain the Wildcats won't have such an easy time tonight in Provo, Utah.

"I know BYU is going to be a challenge," David said. "They are always good. They're going to play hard, we just need to be ready."

David scored a pair of second-half goals in less than a minute during the Wildcats 4-0 home victory last Friday over Northern Arizona.

Through seven games, the Wildcats have done just about all they can to prove they're ready to face more tough competition.

While Arizona scored just 23 times through 19 games last season, the Wildcats have outscored opponents 20-3 so far this year, with freshman goalkeeper McCall Smith posting five shutouts along the way.

- Amanda Branam contributed to this report.