Axten and Scott Fill Key Roles

In soccer, as in other sports, it takes more than a couple of superstars to make a championship team. But if the Harvard soccer team makes it to the Nationals this year, much of the credit will go to wing fullbacks Rick Scott and Phil Axten.

Harvard's new "diamond" defense stresses strength up the middle and is designed to meet the ball at midfield. The fullback line operates on a moving tandem, designed to meet an attack coming up the wing and simultaneously providing protection in front of the cage.

If the ball comes down the left side, for example, Scott moves out to meet the attack while Axten falls in behind the center fullback and to his left to cover on the cross.

"The wing fullback covering in front of the cage is the key man in this new system," center fullback Chris Wilmot explained, "and the team has complete confidence in both Phil and Rick. This system wouldn't work if either one of them didn't have the versatility required by their positions."

The wing fullbacks must have speed, maneuverability in man-to-man situations, and the ability to adjust to each attack as it develops.

Speed's Strength

"Phil is particularily good on handling a ball in the air, and he has the finesse required to carry the ball out of a dangerous situation." Wilmot said. "Rick is the stronger of the two in man-to-man coverage because of his quickness and ability to turn."

Both Axten and Scott like this new defense better than last year's 4-4-2 formation. "Our assignments are much more clear cut than last year." Axten said, "There's a lot more running, but it's much easier to know what to do."

The man-to-man defense is less effective on sustained drives up the middle of the field, but Scott doesn't expect this to be much of a problem. "With Wilmot and Brian Fearnett or Bob Woods in the center, I don't think our opponents will try going up the middle too much," he said.

"And with Messing in the nets, it won't make too much difference, anyway There will always be a couple of flukes, but I don't think too many goals will be scored on us this year."