By Amanda Egbert
Currently undefeated and nationally ranked No. 15, BYU women?s soccer team faces University of California Berkeley tonight at 7 p.m. in the South Stadium.
?We are really looking forward to being home and playing in front of our crowd who supports us so well,? BYU head coach Jennifer Rockwood said.
Coming off a successful weekend away where the Cougars, now 8-0-0, triumphed over No. 14 ranked Wisconsin and Colgate in the Big Toe Invitational in Wisconsin, BYU is ready to take on California.
In anticipation of playing their biggest challenge yet, Rockwood said her girls have worked especially hard this week to prepare. The team showed their potential last weekend and hope to do it again, Rockwood said.
The Cougars have now beaten University of Texas and University of Wisconsin, two NCAA ranked teams and look to tackle another.
Berkeley, BYU?s most challenging opponent so far, is ranked No. 9 with a current record of 6-1-1.
?It is not very often that we get to play such a high-caliber team like California,? Rockwood said.
BYU played Berkeley twice in the past, winning both games. The most recent match was in 1999.
Top offensive players to watch for Berkeley?s Golden Bears are Liz Eisenberg and Lindsay Clute. Each poses a potential threat, scoring a combined 11 goals in the eight games Berkeley has played.
Cougar midfielders, Jamie Beck and freshman Jessica Aquino are just behind totaling five goals each for the 2005 season.
?It will be a challenge against a great team on our home field,? Rockwood said.
BYU play again in the South Stadium at 7 p.m. on Saturday against play Eastern Washington.
?We just take it one game at a time,? Rockwood said. ?Every game is equally important.?
The Cougars last faced Eastern Washington in their 2004 season, conquering the Eagles 1-0 on their home turf.
Eastern Washington currently stands at 1-6-1.
The Eagle?s defense presents a challenge for the Cougars. Eastern Washington goalkeeper Tiera Como was named Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Week and has a collective 57 saves for her time in the goal this season.
