From the Bench... Sept. 17, 2002 – Fullerton, Calif.
Coach Al Mistri:
on the alumni game:
"The game against the alumni was wonderful. We played everybody except
those with nagging injuries (Whitfield, Brooks, Wagner). We missed a penalty
kick and failed to finish a couple of good chances. Eddie Soto "got
his wish," to score a goal against the varsity so he can more easily
back up what he preaches. We saw a lot of new wives and a lot of new babies.
And most of the players were wider and wiser."
on practice:
"We had a very good practice on Monday morning. I was encouraged
by many of the excellent goals we scored and we hope this ability to finish
will carry over to this weekend."
on upcoming matches:
"USF and Santa Clara are not ranked at the moment, but these are
two very significant games. The West Coast Conference puts a lot of emphasis
on soccer and these are two strong rivalries for us. It's no longer a
tournament since Brown dropped out, but we are playing USF on a neutral
pitch and Santa Clara is playing San Jose State that night so that we
will have the same amount of rest for our match with them on Saturday."
on the strong early showing by the Big West Conference:
"We are in a great situation. The league is so strong it will have
a great impact on our season. In the past, our league schedule was worthless
in the big picture. UCSB should be nationally ranked."
