Quakers Hold Slight Edge In Soccer Contest Today

The varsity socceer team has a record of seven wins and only one defeat; it has yet to lose in Ivy League competition and is in undisputed possession of first place; yet it must rate as an underdog this morning when it faces a strong Pennsylvania team here at 11 a.m.

The reason for this is simple: the Crimson has not played a good game of soccer since Oct. 18, when it beat Springfield 4 to 1. Since then the varsity has played four teams well below its caliber, and has edged out four one-goal decisions. Wednesday's game against Wesleyan, a team that has lost seven times this year, was a prime example, as the Crimson barely eked out a 1-0 win after being outplayed for a good part of the game.

Penn, on the other hand, started the season badly and has been steadily improving. It lost the opening game of the season to Dartmouth 2 to 1 (the Crimson beat the Green in overtime by the same score), but has won its next four games, including a victory over Princeton, one of the Ivy League powers.

Dick Williams, the Quaker goalie and captain, is perhaps Penn's outstanding player. His play last season earned him an honorable mention on the All-America squad. John Pinheiro, a letter winner last year, and Bob Trigg will probably start at the fullbacks, while Dave Buten, John Jerbasi, and John Kurland will open at halfback.

Penn Has Experienced Line

Penn's real strength lies in its experienced forward line, which returned almost intact from last year's team, which beat the Crimson 6 to 2. Howard Rockett, an All-Ivy selection in 1957, will start at center forward, while the rest of the line will be made up of Bob Davis, Ray Schroth, George Simonf, and McBee Butcher.

For the first time since the Amherst game, varsity coach Bruce Munro will be able to start his two best fullbacks, Lanny Keyes and Captain Floyd Moloy, today. Keyes has recovered from the knee injury that kept him out of the Wesleyan game, while Moloy has recovered somewhat from his sprained ankle that has sidelined him for most of the season.

Bagnoli to Be Goalie

Tom Bagnoli, who has allowed but 11 goals in the Crimson's eight games for a 1.4 average, will open in the nets, while Bill Rapp, Marsh McCall, and Charlie Steele will be at the halfbacks. The varsity will need all the defense it can get, as Penn specializes in the same kind of wide-open attack that enabled Amherst to hand the varsity its only defeat of the year.

One of Munro's biggest headaches is his forward line, which, while it has immense potential, has only scored 13 goals in its last six games. In at least four of these games the Crimson could have scored almost at will, yet it does not seem to have the necessary finishing touch. Physically, it is fit, with only the status of Kay Khan doubtful.

Munro feels that the combination of hour exams along with five staight away games is responsible for the Crimson's relatively successful, but still disappointing showing. At any rate, the honeymoon is over and the Crimson will have to prove itself today.