Crimson Booters to Face Tufts Today; Coach Munro Foresees Rough Contest

Coming off of a hard-fought shutout at Pennsylvania last Friday, the Harvard soccer team travels to Tufts today in an attempt to improve a disappointing 3-4-1 record. Plagued by injuries and a serious lack of depth onthe bench, the Crimson booters face a rough match at 2 p.m. on the Oval.

Injuries

Ric LaCivita and Brian Beyer are doubtful starters because of their injuries, and Tony Van Niel should also be sidelined for parts of the game. The Penn game was very physical, according to coach Bruce Munro, and resulted in many injuries being aggravated.

Five starters were told to rest up yesterday rather than attend the pre-game practice. Veteran Felix Adedji, injured in the first game of the season, is not expected to play.

Munro said yesterday "all kinds of problems" could develop during today's game. "Tufts will play as hard as any of our opponents, with the possible exception of Penn," Munro said. "It should be a tough, difficult and very physical game."

Laskluster O

Harvard's offense, paced by fullback Brian Fearnett, has been lackluster throughout the entire season. The team's scoring problem was emphasized last week when only two shots on goal were taken against the Quakers. Fearnett has developed shin problems, possibly tendonitis, and will not be playing at full strength. The Crimson squad has thus relied heavily on its sometimes effective defense, led by goalie Steve Kidder.

The booters' attack-oriented 4-2-4 system will be changed into a more defensive 4-3-3 posture if Harvard is leading in the second half, Munro said.

The coach added that he may even pull an additional lineman back and go into a 4-4-2 defense.

Munro still has confidence in his team. "We came out of the Penn game in better spirits than would have been expected," he said. "No opponent has really bombed us."

Several players have complained about the poor field conditions at Tufts. "The field is small and rocky, with spectators crowded almost onto the playing area," goalkeeper Kidder said yesterday.