Women's soccer club ready for nationals

Despite its losses to Weaver College and Utah State in the regional games last year, the Cal State Long Beach Women's Soccer Club is looking forward to playing in the 1996 National Collegiate Soccer Association National Championship tournament, beginning Wednesday in Phoenix, Ariz.

Team captain Jackie Gardner said the club has a very good chance to win the national championship this year because of exceptional teamwork.

"We have both good strong offense and defense strategies, and there is lots of passing," Gardner said.

Last year, the club lacked a coach, and only 12 players participated in games.

This year, however, Gardner said the club has been under the leadership of a dedicated coach, and nineteen players are included on the roster.

"We have excellent players this year, and John Carroll is a good coach, " Gardner said.

"This is really the club's best year," she continued.

This is the first time 49ers qualified for the tournament. The club will play against teams from Western Illinois, Texas A&M, and the University of Arizona, which are included in its playing bracket.

"It's going to be a tough competition, because the best soccer clubs are located in the western league, which is around our area," Gardner said.

The NCSA championships will be held at Cave Creek Sports Complex, site of three previous consecutive NCSA tournaments and the 1993 U.S. Youth Soccer Championships.