UCLA Plays Host to Top Soccer Teams

UCLA, two-time defending champion, will play host to three of the nation’s top 20 soccer teams today in the Metropolitan Life Pacific soccer tournament at UCLA’s North athletic field.

The Bruins, 10-4-1 and ranked No. 2 in the Far West region, have never lost a home game in this tournament but may be hard pressed to maintain that record. Also in the tournament are Indiana, 15-2 and ranked No. 2 in the nation; No. 9 Notre Dame (14-1-1), and No. 12 San Diego State (14-3). San Diego State will play Indiana at noon, and UCLA will meet Notre Dame at 2 p.m.

Indiana, sporting a 13-game winning streak, is led by freshman Ken Snow, who has 24 goals and 3 assists. The Hoosiers, who won national titles in 1982 and ‘83, are especially deep. They have 12 lettermen and 5 starters from last season’s 9-6-4 team.

Notre Dame is off to its best start. Unbeaten through 15 games, the Irish beat Indiana for the first time in September. They are led by Bruce (Tiger) McCourt, the nation’s 12th-leading scorer, and Joe Sternberg, a junior who has 12 goals and an assist.

San Diego State has 12 shut outs in 17 games. The Aztecs are ranked No. 1 in the Far West region. Kyle Whittemore leads the team with 12 goals and 2 assists.

Sunday’s pairings have San Diego State playing Notre Dame at noon, and UCLA against Indiana at 2 p.m.

A free youth clinic will precede Sunday’s games at 10:30 a.m. The clinic is open to all soccer players under 17.