Arizona's soccer teams off and running

Arizona Daily Wildcat

Nobody told the Arizona women's soccer team that its first season in Division I would be easy.

And those who might have considered saying it but didn't are probably glad they kept their mouth shut now.

The Wildcats Ä in an exhibition loss to Stanford Saturday and a season-opening loss to Cal State-Sacramento Sunday Ä allowed nine total goals during a road trip to California that likely proved itself to be a valuable learning experience.

Against the Cardinal, freshman forward Jenn Duran had the UA's only shot on goal as she and her teammates were held scoreless throughout the scrimmage, losing 6-0. The game marked Arizona's intercollegiate debut for its women's soccer program.

In the Hornets on Sunday, the Wildcats faced a program that went Division I this past year. Tied at one for more than half the game, Cal State-Sacramento midfielder Jeanette Plumley exploded to score two goals within a matter of 18 minutes to help her team to a 3-1 win.

Junior Ashley Lettis scored the UA's lone goal. Tucson native Mavia Montano was credited with the assist.

Arizona's next game is Friday, when it will play Nebraska in Missoula, Mont.The Arizona men's club soccer team went international this summer, and the results have been perfect.

With the acquisition of new coach Ron Fox from England, the Wildcats breezed through the summer season with a spotless 13-0 record.

Arizona continued its winning ways on Sunday when it opened the fall schedule against Pima Community College Ä and blew them out 5-0.

"They (Pima C.C.) have scholarships Ä you could say they have a real program," said center Ellis Margolis, "and we handled them pretty easily."

The Wildcats are a club team and have no scholarships available to them.

With the experience they gained during the summer and the direction Fox has provided, the expectations of the team are higher than in recent years.

"We've gotten to Nationals (Club National Championships) three of the last four years, but now we feel we could win everything," Margolis said. "Ron knows soccer at a much higher level than we do. There are not many people in the U.S. with international experience."

Arizona continues its season this Saturday with a matchup against the University of Sinaloa, which plays in the Mexican league. The game will be at Tucson High School at 8 p.m.

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