Penn will try to end losing ways against La Salle

As this young soccer season gets under way, the Penn women's soccer team finds itself staring at an 0-2 record, anxious for a win to get it moving in the right direction. The Quakers' schedule might have the answer, though. Next up for Penn is today's meeting against La Salle, who have only won one once in five tries. Before the season started, the Explorers (1-4) looked like a relatively unimportant game. But due to the Quakers' slow start, the match takes on increased significance. "We need a win -- ugly or pretty," Penn coach Patrick Baker said. "We need to jump on chances and play tight defense." Penn can only hope for a repeat of last year's success against the Explorers. Las year at Penn, these two teams battled for 90 minutes to a 0-0 stalemate. It was not until the second overtime that the Quakers were able to put two goals into the net. The Explorers have gotten off to an unimpressive 1-4 start so far in the 1996 campaign. Last Wednesday, La Salle fell to Seton Hall, 1-0. The Explorers, coached by Craig Dorman, are a little down from last year in talent and in numbers, as their roster is down to just 15 players. However, the Explorers still have three quality players -- senior defender Krista Garberina, sophomore forward Christine Gough and senior midfielder Laura Winchester. Defense has allowed the Explorers to remain close in games, but its inability to get the ball in the net has been the main cause this year for them to be behind when time has run out. The season started with a tough loss to nationally ranked William & Mary on Friday. After a what Baker called an excellent practice on Saturday, the Quakers came out charging against their foes of Old Dominion on Sunday but came up short with a 3-2 loss. "They bent and bent, but did not break," Baker said. After this disappointing weekend, Baker's looking to refine the team's technique and he plans to shake-up the lineup by starting a few freshman. "Everyone was to blame [for the poor start] and they have to collectively make it better," Baker said. One particular problem that has plagued Penn in the early going has been its porous defense. In just two games, the Quakers have given up 11 goals. "We need to keep possession of the ball and work on our defense," junior midfielder Darah Ross said. The players know that its imperative that they get their first win under their belt. "This [game] will be the turning point for our team," senior forward Yuka Morita said.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.