Brown vs. Middlebury W.P.I., Crimson In NCAA Playoffs

Harvard's varsity soccer team will play Worcester Polytechnical Institute in the first round of the NCAA New England Regionals next Tuesday, November 17, in Cambridge. In the second NCAA playoff, Brown will face Middlebury in Providence.

The Crimson, 8-0-0 for the season, is ranked number one in New England, followed by Brown (9-1-1), Middlebury (6-2-2), and W.P.I. (9-1-1) in the university division.

Springfield College, (7-2-4), ranked number three in previous New England ratings, was offered a berth in the play-offs, but the Indians' Athletic department has ruled that all Springfield squads shall participate only in college division post-season tournaments.

Tufts Upset

W.P.I. is the defending New England collegiate division champion. Against a common opponent, W.P.I. beat Tufts, 3-2, while the Crimson triumphed, 4-1. Sports information director George Gamache called the Tufts victory "W.P.I.'s upset of the season."

The strength of the Engineers is on offense. The squad scored 40 goals in 11 games and was led by Jack Blaisdell who set a school record with 15 goals.

Brown Favored

Brown will be heavily favored over Middlebury. The Bruins have defeated Springfield, tied Penn, and lost only to Dartmouth in a 1-0 upset. Brown is presently ranked seventh in the nation.

Middlebury finished its season last Wednesday with six victories over college division teams, a 0-0 tie with Springfield, and a 3-1 less to Williams. Harvard beat Williams earlier in the season, 2-1.

The Black Panthers are at a serious disadvantage because their season ended one week ago. "The team disbanded without any tournament expectations," sports information director Paul Witteman said. "Gee, the guys were getting ready to start skiing."

Middlebury's hopes rest with a strong defense centered on fullback Bruce Foust, whom Witteman labeled an All-American candidate. Goalie George Barr has four shutouts this fall and has successfully stopped three of three penalty kicks during the season.