Friday, September 7, 2001

Women’s soccer to play at Nike Classic
By Nathan Loewen
Wire Coordinator

After seeing his squad lose 2-0 against Oklahoma Sunday, head women’s soccer coach David Rubinson said he is looking for a better performance from the Frogs in the UAB Nike Classic today.

“We want to play at a consistently high level all season and even the girls will tell you that we didn’t against Oklahoma,” Rubinson said. TCU will face Mississippi State at 5 p.m. today.

“We want to come out Friday and play with more intensity but being careful not to force things,” said freshman forward Cara Toulouse.

The Frogs will face defending Southeastern Conference West champs Ole Miss Sunday (0-2-0).

Ole Miss coach Steve Holeman said the Frogs will face a Rebel team short on experience.

“Our lack of game experience in Division I games is a big problem that we will face this weekend,” Holeman said.

The Rebels are a young team with 11 freshmen and only one senior.

TCU has allowed three goals this season in their first two games. Rubinson said that better defense will be a key to winning.

“We’ll be rested and better tactically,” Rubinson said. “Teams play better away and that’s what we’re looking for this weekend against Miss State and Ole Miss.”

Toulouse said that they want to be prepared and be strong defensively while still watching for the scoring opportunities.

The Rebel’s goalkeeper Melinda Smith ended the 2000 season with three shutouts, 73 saves and a 1.29 goals against average and is 10-5-1 in her career. Rubinson said the Frogs will try to take her out of her element.

“If we can keep her moving side to side and worrying about players coming in we will be more likely to succeed,” Rubinson said.

Rubinson said the women will get the goal as long as they stay patient.

“We would like to go over there and win this tournament because we do have the ability,” Rubinson said.

Nathan Loewen
n.d.loewen@student.tcu.edu