From the Bench... Oct. 1, 2002 – Fullerton, Calif.
Coach Al Mistri:
"Our match at San Diego State this week is by far, a must-win situation
for us now. The first NCAA rankings call is Monday and it would behoove
us to be included in the Top 12 in the western region. To do that, you
need to have at least a .500 record (Titans are 3-4-1). Strength of schedule
does you no good if you have a losing record.
"We did not have a very good week last week... we really needed to
win both matches. We played our worst game of the year at Fresno State
(2-1 loss). Although we are somewhat buoyed by our victory over the team
with the best record in the country (2-1 over an 8-0 New Mexico team),
we still have a lot of work to do.
"On the positive side, we are getting better. But are we doing it
fast enough? The Big West Conference schedule is fast approaching. It
will be interesting to see how we respond to this challenge. Missed chances
is the area that is most troublesome. Against quality teams, we are getting
chances but not finishing them. One could argue that we finally caught
a break Sunday when their player knocked the ball into his own goal trying
to clear it, but we still are on the negative side of the breaks leadger.
"We still control our own destiny and our entire situation is right
in front of us. UC Santa Barbara and Cal State Northridge are well-positioned
for post-season play and we have a chance to play each of them twice as
well as Indiana."
