Hobbling Harvard Soccer Squad Faces Jumbos in Season Opener

"With all these injuries, we're in the soup, walking on the vegetables," is the way soccer coach Bruce Munro described the outlook for his 20th Harvard season, which opens today with a game against Tufts. Munro's point is well taken, for surrounding a solid core of first-string returnees there is a lot of murk.

The game with unskilled Tufts may cloud matters even further. Harvard appeared all strngth as it obliterated the Jumbos 9-0 in last year's opener, and it took the next two games, losses to Amherst and Williams, to reveal the weaknesses present.

Tufts' run-hard, substitute-often approach to the Harvard game will take advantage of the Crimson's Achilles heel, lack of depth, and might inflame the large number of infected toes on the Harvard first unit.

Four of the five forwards are physically below par, the center halfback is a doubtful starter, only two fullbacks are available, and both experienced reserves are out of action.

Because of the football season's late start, the Crimson booters have five games in which to get in shape before the Ivy opener October 14. If the injuries are healed by then, Harvard will pursue its first League title since 1963 with a potentially explosive offense and a green defense.

POTENT SCORERS

Last year's top three scorers are all back, and they are potent indeed.

Senior right inside Lutz Hoeppner registered six goals in Ivy competition to place him second in League statistics. A fancy dribbler and strong shooter, Hoeppner can go it alone and succeed where Harvard's short-passing game is doomed.

For teamwork, the League's most exciting combination is found on the Crimson's left side, where wing Scott Robertson and inside James Vargas parlayed their speed and skills for 12 goals in their first varsity season.

Graduation removed Jim Saltonstall and Dudley Blodget from the front line. While neither is irreplaceable, the problem is to find someone to do the replacing.

At the moment, Munro is counting on oft-injured junior Ahmed Yehia to fill the center forward spot. If his infected toes give trouble, the call will go to Nick Hallett, a strong sophomore though not a dangerous shooter.

Battling for Blodgett's right wing position are junior Geoff Keppel, an experienced JV performer, and sophomore John Metzger, a speedy trackman.

Depth Lacking

The line lacks depth, however, and with scrappy seniors Pete Millock and Bill Schaefer incapacitated, Munro won't be able to shuttle inside as he likes to.

Captain Joe Gould, a marvelously balanced and tenacious defender, highlights the halfback line. Sophomore Briton Richie Hardy has been given the impossible task of filling the shoes of All-American Andy Kydes at center half, and senior letterman Abi Azikiwe completes the unit on the right.