Soccer finds new backup goalkeeper

A much-welcomed face appeared at the Arizona soccer team’s practice yesterday. That face belonged to that of the Wildcats’ new backup goalkeeper Halley Brown, a senior participated in her first practice with the team.

UA head coach Dan Tobias said he knew of Brown through the Rush soccer club on which she contributed as a youth coach.

“”We were looking for some options and needed another goalkeeper, so she’s going to come out and see what it looks like,”” Tobias said.

Although it was only her first day of practice, Tobias said Brown looked solid.

“”I’ve seen her play in goal before, and she is very good,”” Tobias said. “”We’re excited to add her to the group.””

Since the season opener against Utah, Arizona has been playing with a single goalkeeper, Danielle Nicolai, on the roster. Brown will provide insurance for Nicolai, which will be much needed as two of the Wildcats’ injured goalkeepers have gone down this season alone.

“”It’s a stress reliever,”” Nicolai said of having a backup. “”But I know I’ll still have to work hard.””

Bobby Stover