Thursday, October 1, 1998
Sanchez, Paterson have
By Al Chase
goal in common
Star-BulletinThe ongoing goalkeeper audition is nearing a conclusion for Hawaii Wahine net tenders Amanda Paterson and Demarre Sanchez.
They will share the stage again against Villanova (4-4-1) tomorrow and perennial national powerhouse UCLA (8-1-1) Sunday at 7 p.m. at Ala Wai Field.
This has been standard procedure for UH head coach Pinsoom Tenzing since the season began. Yet, it has not developed into a goalkeeper controversy. It's just the opposite for Paterson and Sanchez.
"Sure, I'd like to play the whole game, but I have complete confidence in Demarre. It's working well," said Paterson, a senior from Sydney, Australia.
"I kind of like it. I think it's working and it kind of gives him (Tenzing) a chance to see where we stand," said Sanchez, a sophomore from Albuquerque, N.M.
At the start of the season Tenzing had three reasons for playing each goalie half a match.
He wanted to reduce the wear and tear on Paterson's surgically repaired right knee. He wanted to give Sanchez experience since she will be the only returning goalie next year. And, he wanted plenty of time to evaluate both before getting into conference play.
The half-half routine also means each is guaranteed a half even if she is having a bad game.
When Western Athletic Conference play begins Oct. 9 at Brigham Young, Tenzing will have named a No. 1 keeper.
Also, with the Wahine (6-1) defense switching to the flat back system this season, the goalkeeper is required to play way off the goal line at times, something neither has done before.
"It's a different approach," Tenzing said. "Essentially, their primary job is not to stop shots, but to stop shots from being taken. At times, our goalkeepers play the role of a sweeper.
"When they come out of the (penalty) box to clear a ball it has to be cleared high downfield and they have to sprint back to the goal. It's new to them and they are still learning when it's the magic moment to come out."
The whole concept behind the Wahine defense is to put pressure upfield toward the offensive end.
"We have to rely on each other and support each other back there," said midfielder/defender Tui Moe.
POLLS: The Wahine remained tied for tenth in the Soccer Buzz West Region rankings and received votes for the first time in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America West Region rankings despite their first loss.
UCLA is ranked 12th, 17th and 18th in the three national polls.
STATS: Sanchez is fourth nationally in goals allowed average (0.29).
UH is one victory away from equaling the all-time, single-season best of seven, set last year.
This is the first meeting with Villanova while UCLA has won two previous matches against UH.
UCLA's only loss is to San Diego State (1-0). The tie came against San Diego (2-2) in overtime.
Outrigger Hotels & Resorts
No Ka Oi TournamentWhere: Ala Wai Field.
http://uhathletics.hawaii.edu
