The Arizona soccer team travels to the state of Washington to close out its regular season this weekend as the Wildcats take on Washington tonight at 6 and Washington State Sunday at noon.
Going into the last weekend of conference play, Arizona (8-8-2, 1-4-2 Pacific 10 Conference) has dropped out of both the Soccer Buzz West Region poll and all national polls.
“”We have to be realistic, we need to win both games, and we need other teams to win in order to be going to the postseason,”” junior defender Claire Bodiya said.
Sophomore forward Gianna DeSaverio said that as long as the team works hard and plays as a team, it will come out victorious. She said that she still believes that the team can win both games, but the games will be hard fought, not easy wins.
“”I am hoping we are going to close out the conference with at least two wins,”” DeSaverio said.
Inconsistencies and the team’s four-game scoreless streak have taken their toll on the team’s mentality.
Along with trying to finish the season strong, Arizona is attempting to resolve its communication breakdown from the previous week, when they lost 4-0 to ASU.
“”We’re even more motivated now to get on the same page, “”Broussard said. The communication breakdown “”is hurting us.””
Both Washington (6-12-0, 1-6-0) and Washington State (8-6-4, 3-2-2) have gotten the better of the Wildcats in the all-time record books.
The Huskies lead the series against the Wildcats 8-3-0, although Arizona came away victorious last season with a 1-0 win. The Cougars lead the Wildcats 6-4-1 all-time, including a 2-1, double overtime win last season.
After coming off the disheartening loss to ASU, freshman Jacqueline Broussard said that the team reconvened and watched film, which left them eager to compete and finish.
“”It’s going to be hard to bring us down,”” Broussard said.
The Wildcats postseason chances are slim, and the Wildcats may be without Bodiya who has a back injury and received an epidural Tuesday. Bodiya said she would only play if she was 100 percent.
“”Especially if we don’t go to postseason, it would be nice to end on a good note,”” Bodiya said.
