By Arlie Rahn
Arizona Daily Wildcat
The Arizona men's soccer team is in the midst of a very successful season. In its first seven games, the Wildcats are an impressive 6-1. Their only blemish came against a talented team from the University of Sinaloa (Mex.) in a penalty kick shoot-out.
This weekend's confrontation takes Arizona to Flagstaff to battle a very good Northern Arizona University team. In order to triumph over the Lumberjacks, the Wildcats will have to continue their European style of ball control used by British head coach Ron Fox.
"For us to be successful, we need to control the tempo Ä sometimes making quick attacks and other times relying more on possession," Fox said.
Another key to the team's success will be solid efforts from sweeper Chum Trend, midfielder David Mills, winger Kevin Cotter, and especially forward Art Hipple. Hipple is coming off a successful match Sunday in which he scored the winning goal against Emery Riddle.
Although Arizona lost twice to NAU last year, Fox is confident going into the match.
"Most teams like NAU have good skill, but tend to rush, rush, rush when they have the ball," Fox said. "A successful offense relies on control attack and patience."
Fox also remarked that many players are slow to see opportunity, and only see the field after receiving the ball. But Fox said his players constantly know the position of each of their teammates and are always looking for developing plays. Thus the wildcats move as a cohesive unit, and keep control of the ball for most of the contest.
Said Fox: "If we can beat NAU in Flagstaff, we should be able to win our region."