A win against Arizona State in the soccer team's final game of the year today will equal last season's number of victories at six.

At this point, however, the team is no longer placing a lot of importance on its record.

"We want to go out playing well and go out having fun and playing good soccer," senior forward and co-captain Christine Keeley said.

Arizona (5-12-1 overall, 0-7 in the Pacific 10 Conference) will travel to Tempe to play Arizona State this afternoon at 3:30. The game will mark the second time the two teams have met this season, and the second time in the schools' histories.

This season is ASU's first as a Division I school, and the team chose not to have its record count in the Pac-10 standings this season.

The Sun Devils (3-11-1) beat Arizona 4-2 at Wildcat Soccer Field on Oct. 15. Arizona State dominated play until the last few minutes in the game. The Wildcats attempted a comeback, but the spark came too late in the game. Freshman midfielder Jill Micone l ed the Wildcats with two goals in the game. Arizona had a few more chances, but was unable to capitalize on its opportunities.

"They're a rival and we have got to play better than we did the last time we played them," UA head coach Lisa Fraser said. "We're one of the three games they won this year, so I think they're going to want to come out and get another win against us."

The Wildcats head into this afternoon's game on a positive note after Sunday's 2-2 overtime tie with Cal State-Fullerton. Although the team was not able to convert on its chances in the overtime periods, the players gained confidence that they hope will s how today.

"The way we played (in the) second half (Sunday) is fun," Keeley said. "When we play like that and have as many opportunities as we did, and everyone plays as a unit, is how soccer should be played, and that's why it's fun for everybody."

The Sun Devils played on Sunday as well, losing to Washington State 2-0. Freshman forward Sarah Blaska leads Arizona State with four goals and two assists in 15 games. Freshman midfielder Kim Wagner is second on the team with three goals and one assist.

"I know we came out flat (against ASU in October) and in order to avoid that we need to carry over from Sunday's game and remember what worked," Keeley said.

Today's game will mark Arizona's third game in the last six days, one of the games having gone into two 15-minute overtime periods.

"Physically, it is going to be draining," Keeley said. "But hopefully, being our last game, it can overshadow that."

Keeley leads the Wildcats in scoring with seven goals and two assists. Sophomore Nikki Jones is second with six goals and three assists. Senior goalkeeper Jen Weibel has recorded 84 saves and three shutouts in 12 matches.

This will be the last game for five Arizona seniors: Weibel, Keeley, and defenders Shannon Taylor, Kristy Walsh and Jennifer Rickard, a co-captain.

Keeley said she has had fun this season, despite the team's struggles and disappointing record.

"There's a reason why we all play this sport," Keeley said. "I've loved playing at Arizona and I've really tried to just enjoy being out there and enjoy the team."

---

Daily Wildcat News Opinions Sports PoliceBeat Comics Arts