From the Bench... Oct. 14, 2003 Fullerton, Calif.
Coach Al Mistri:
"We are finally going to play some home matches and we are a different
team in our stadium.
"Our spirits are high and we are looking forward to playing at home.
My biggest concern is the large number of people who are injured and how
it's hurting us. Held out of Tuesday's practice were Marco Rodriguez,
Hector Orellana, Andrew Sam, Sean Gallinger and Gordon Kljestan. Chances
are most of them will play Wednesday night, but only will be able to go
part of the game.
"The good part of it is that we are playing a lot of freshmen and
they are taking advantage of the situation, witness Samuel Rivas getting
a goal last Saturday. Omar (Bywaters), Taylor Sheldrick and Scott Fuller
are getting a lot of playing time. Going into the season I would have
guessed only one of them would be playing this much.
"Without taking anything away from UC Riverside, we lost our match
last Saturday due to two terrible mistakes. The players are feeling bad
about them.
"Ignacio Cid did not start at Riverside because he was suffering
from the flu. We are counting on him to be back and well."