UCLA’s Ervine to Lead Team in Soccer Classic

UCLA’s soccer team, ranked fifth nationally and first on the West Coast, will attempt to cement its standing when it hosts UC Berkeley, Stanford and Washington in the Metropolitan Life Pacific Classic this weekend.

The opening matchups Saturday are UCLA vs. Berkeley at 11 a.m. and Stanford vs. Washington at 1 p.m. The losers play the consolation game at 1 p.m Sunday, followed by the championship.

UCLA, 5-1-2, is led again by All-American forward Dale Ervine. The Torrance native has eight goals and two assists despite getting off to a slow start because of a pre-season injury. Coach Sigi Schmid considers Ervine one of the West Coast’s four best seniors. Two others will also be on display in the tourney as well--Stanford’s Angel Vasquez, who is rounding into shape after sitting out last year with an injury, and Berkeley midfielder Mike Nieto.

Along with Ervine, UCLA features captain Paul Krumpe, a Torrance native who plays defender, and goalie Dave Vanole from Manhattan Beach. Vanole has two shutouts and a 1.07 goals-against average.

Schmid said the team is stronger than last year and has benefitted from the return of Paul Caligiuri, who played on the national team in 1984, and the addition of freshman Steve Black. The Bruins’ running-passing style benefits Caligiuri and Krumpe, who have scored goals despite playing defensive positions.

Schmid said the tournament should be competitive and could be relatively high scoring. Last year’s tournament featured 24 goals in four games. “We have different styles but we all play an offensive form of soccer,” Schmid said. “You won’t see anybody sitting back trying for a 1-0 win.”

Berkeley (7-1-1) is rated 18th nationally and third on the West Coast and has beaten UCLA the last two years. The team has won five shutouts and plays in a fast, aggressive style. “They’re exciting to watch and they play a high pressure game,” Schmid said. “And there’s definitely a revenge factor for us.”

Stanford (4-4-1) has Vasquez to go with returning top scorer Giancarlo Ferruzzi. The Cardinals play a muscular style of ball suited to its physically imposing players.

Washington (3-1) is the “mystery team” to Schmid, having played few games. The lineup features mostly underclassmen. Phil Carson leads the scoring with five goals and an assist. Goalie Craig Christopherson had four shutouts and a 0.67 goals-against average last year. The Huskies may have the tournament’s most exciting player in 5-1 Eddie Henderson, who will look like David going against Goliath when he faces Stanford’s burly players.

Admission to the tournament is $4 for adults, $2 for youths 15 and younger and free for UCLA students with ID.

There will be a free goalie clinic for youths 17 and younger from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday.