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The Daily Wildcat

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The Daily Wildcat

The Daily Wildcat

 

    Wildcats travel to Utah without Smith

    The No. 17 Arizona women’s soccer team is heading to the Beehive State this weekend to take part in the Utah Fall Classic.

    But this year they are going to be without Utah native and star goalkeeper McCall Smith, who is out for the season due to a severe knee injury.

    Still, the Wildcats (1-1-0) will be just fine with her replacement, sophomore Chelsea McIntyre, UA head coach Dan Tobias said.

    “”She’s doing a solid job,”” he said. “”I think she’s not only listened to (Smith), but she’s learned a lot by observing her.””

    First up the Wildcats will face undefeated Utah State (2-0-0) at 5 p.m. today before playing No. 24 Utah (1-1-0) at 1 p.m. Sunday in Salt Lake City.

    The Utes will probably be the tougher opponent this weekend, as they will undoubtedly be seeking revenge after being knocked out of the NCAA Tournament by the Wildcats in their 1-0 second-round loss on Nov. 10.

    Therefore, Arizona is going to have to step up, McIntyre said.

    “”They are going to want to draw blood,”” McIntyre said. “”They are not going to be soft by any means.””

    Led by forwards Amanda Feight and Adele Letro, who each had seven goals on the season last year, the Utes won’t be an easy matchup.

    “”It’s going to be a great game,”” McIntyre said.

    Sophomore forward London King agreed.

    “”I definitely think they’ll come out gunning for us because of last year,”” King said, “”but I think we are ready.””

    Meanwhile, Utah State, a team that went 7-9-4 on the season last year, returns six starters and 19 letter winners from last season’s team. The Aggies have never played Arizona.

    Senior forward Charity Weston, a 2005 first-team All-Western Athletic Conference selection, leads the team, which won its season opener over Idaho State and then beat Weber State.

    “”They are going to be a tough team,”” Tobias said.

    Overall, Tobias said this weekend’s contests will provide great preparation for a young team comprised of 11 freshmen.

    “”It’s another good test,”” Tobias said. “”I think you just got to get used to that ability to go somewhere else, to sleep in a hotel bed, to go on the road.””

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