Crimson presents soccer squads with challenge

Philadelphia natives reunite in critical Ivy game When the Penn men's soccer team faces Harvard 11 a.m. tomorrow at Rhodes Field, both the Quakers and the Crimson will field six local stars. "We've all known each others' faces since we were very young," junior defender David Choi said. "We used to play against those guys every year. They're so scared of us, because we're from the city. It's always in the back of their head." The Quakers (3-2, 1-1 Ivy League) will be keying on two of their old rivals, sophomore forward Will Kohler of Bala Cynwyd, and Harleysville native Tom McLaughlin. Kohler, who also played on the youth national team, is tied for the Crimson scoring lead. "I expect a very competitive game," Penn coach George O'Neill said. "We will come out with the same concentration as last week and the guys always give every bit of effort they can." Harvard (1-6, 1-1) has been roughed up this season. The Crimson's only win was a 2-0 contest against Cornell in its first game of the season. The Quakers think Harvard has been emotionally and physically weakened by all the defeats, and are looking to capitalize. "I don't think they can match up with us man for man," Choi said. "We're at a point right now where we can dictate the style, and they have to do whatever they can to win." Harvard is dominated by sophomores. Penn hopes to use experience to its advantage. The local players, most of whom have been on the same teams since childhood, are prepared to lead the Quakers. "The longer you play with someone, you will be able to adapt to their style and vice versa," junior co-captain Steve Marcinkiewicz said. "You know how badly they want to win because you've done it. You've been there -- playing against them in the big games. You're glad to have them, and you know they're going to be there when it's crunch time because you've seen them do it before." Some of the Quakers are more cautious. They think Harvard is desperate for a win, since another Ivy loss would basically put either team out of title contention. "They're going to be coming in here raring to go," junior midfielder Pat Brannigan said. "I expect them to be the most aggressive team we play because they're in a bad spot and need a win very badly." Penn comes into this contest off an upset victory over Columbia, which propelled the Quakers from the Ivy basement into a tie for second place. The team hopes to use the momentum from last week's win in tomorrow's contest. "We played differently last Saturday than we have all year," Marcinkiewicz said of the 3-2 home triumph over the Lions. "The attitude changed. Columbia was a well-respected team, but we got our heads on straight and played a better game than they did. It is definitely an advantage being home, playing in front of your parents and knowing everyone there." Harvard is coming home to Philadelphia tomorrow too. The Quakers are out to spoil the trip.