Varsity Soccer Team Faces Tufts Today in First Contest of Season

Flu has caused many traumas this year. The "bug," in its relentless march, has not been ineffective in upsetting the Crimson soccer team. Captain Jim Shue, at center forward, was released from Stillman only yesterday after a "mild" case, and will probably be unable to play or practice seriously for a day or two.

Shue's illness caused some panic in the ranks, although no one else on the squad has come down with the highly contagious virus.

Coach Bruce Munro's main problem, however, is in the backfield, where he has lost both of last year's starters. Don Beaver is out for the season for academic reasons, and Chris Provenson will be unavailable today when the Crimson faces Tufts at 3:30 in Medford.

Yet Munro has been able to assemble a starting lineup of sorts to counter what the Jumbos' coach has called "the best Tufts team in eight years." Although the Crimson coach doubts the authenticity of this claim, the varsity will probably be faced with its toughest opener in several years.

Shue's absence at center forward has forced a general shuffle in the entire line. Junior John Mudd is filling in for Shue at center, while Tom Bernheim is at inside left. Steve Rhodes, used mainly in reserve last year, will start at outside left. Robin Magowan has moved from outside left to inside right, and Ken McIntosh is at his usual outside right post.

Last year's Crimson halfback line is intact, with Jon Felstiner at left half, Tony Oberschall at center, and Marshall Schwarz at right half. Munro also developed a good halfback reserve, smoothing out one of last season's rough spots.

Two sophomores--Floyd Molloy and Lanny Keyes--will start in the much depleted backfield. Although both are large lack of experience will probably force Crimson halfbacks to take up the defensive slack.

Seasoned Jim Perkins, who alternated as a starter last season, will tend the goal.